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Ma
(730 words)

(Greek Μᾶ/, Lat. Ma-Bellona).

One of a number of powerful Anatolian deities, whose cult was concentrated on the great temples (cf. Anaitis in Zela, Cybele/Mḗtēr in Pessinus, Men Pharnaku in Cabira). The basic meaning of the word [1], widespread as a feminine proper name, is ‘mother’.

[German version]

A. Temple and cult in Anatolia

The original centre of the cult was Comana [1]/Hierapolis in Cappadocian Cataonia. The local temple was already significant at the time of Suppiluliuma I (c. 1355-1320 BC) ( Ḫattusa B. 3). A second ‘te…

Cite this page
Gordon, Richard L. (Ilmmünster), “Ma”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e715230>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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