Derzelas, the Great God of Odessos
Thracian · deity · Hellenistic to Roman Odessos (Varna) and Histria, 3rd c. BCE 3rd c. CE · deity
Great god of Odessos. Native theonym Derzelas/Darzalas transmitted in Greek; in cult often only 'Theos Megas'. Classified 'deity'. Counted in the Dacian foreground per the prompt because the deity is described as Thraco-Dacian; primary attestation is the Greek Pontic city of Odessos. Distinct from the Greco-Egyptian Serapis with whom the Great God of Odessos was later assimilated on some coins.
Domains
- abundance and fertility
- underworld and chthonic
- health and vitality
Powers
- pours out abundance from the cornucopia
Epithets
- Θεὸς Μέγας
Sources
- Coinage and inscriptions of Odessos; temple at Histria
- Encyclopedic treatments of Derzelas (Thraco-Dacian god of abundance/underworld/health)