Sistema linguistico e sistema iconografico nel mondo fenicio

Abstract: According to Julian (Letters, 89b, 291b), the denominations of the gods (ἐπωνυμίας) are linked to their visual images (ὤσπερ εἰκόνας γραπτὰς). 'is study aims at putting some order into the jungle of real, detailed, hypothetical (not to mention imaginative) connections between images and names of Phoenician gods. To properly investigate the matter, this study focuses exclusively on objects where the inscribed name of a Phoenician god is clearly related to the image represented, and on the comparison of the construction mechanisms at work in Semitic languages and in the iconography of Phoenician gods. Considering the limited number of the Semitic gods and, furthermore, the equally limited number of their (not exclusive) iconographic attributes, some basic types are identi(ed: smiting, striding, enthroned. 'e absence of a (xed iconography, except for a more or less canonical representation of Melqart gave to the worshipper a very important role in emphasizing the main aspect of a deity and of his/her attributes. Both iconography and names of Phoenician gods are geographically and chronologically widespread. 'erefore, using images and names as hints to identify certain aspects of the ancient perception of the divine is only possible at the condition of connecting them to the cultural context in which they were expressed.