Zeus-Oromasdes
Commagene royal syncretic cult · deity · hellenistic commagene royal cult · deity
Zeus-Oromasdes is the head of the syncretic pantheon proclaimed by Antiochus I Theos of Commagene (r. c. 69-34 BCE). His double name fuses the Greek sky-sovereign Zeus with Oromasdes, the Hellenized form of Ahura Mazda, the supreme 'Wise Lord' and creator of Zoroastrian tradition. In the great cult-law inscription (the nomos) carved on the backs of the colossal throne-statues at the Nemrud Dağı hierothesion, he is enumerated first among the gods, occupying the central and most honoured seat. He embodies the religious-juridical sovereign function within the tri-functional ordering of the Commagenian gods, and the deified king is shown grasping his hand in the dexiosis reliefs that assert the ruler's reception into divine company.
Domains
- supreme sky sovereignty
- cosmic order creation
Powers
- to preside as highest god over the assembled deities
- to uphold truth and cosmic order against falsehood
Epithets
- Ζεὺς Ὠρομάσδης
Relations
- companion: Antiochus I Theos of Commagene