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Posted on 08/27/202408/27/2024 by ALKEMYSTICA — Leave a comment

The Megalithic Fortress of Arwad – Syria

Arwad, an island city situated off the coast of Syria in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its ancient megalithic fortress. A strategic stronghold which has withstood the ravages of time, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the architecture, cultural practices, and historical significance of ancient civilizations in the region.

Historical Background

Also known as Arvad in ancient texts, it was then named Árados in Greek, which was Latinized as Aradus. In Arabic, it became Arwad . It’s also known as Ruad Island.

It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Syria and its origins date back to the Bronze Age, with the island being continuously inhabited since at least the 3rd millennium BCE. The fortress itself was constructed during the height of Arwad’s prominence, around the 1st millennium BCE, reflecting its strategic importance in ancient maritime trade and defense.

The island was settled in the 2nd millennium BC by the Phoenicians. Under their control, it became an independent kingdom probably called Jazirat (meaning “island”) or Aynook. The city has been cited as one of the first known examples of a republic in the world, in which the people, rather than a monarch, are described as sovereign.

It was a major city-state, and the Phoenicians, known for their seafaring prowess and commercial enterprises, established Arwad as a crucial port city. The island’s location, just off the Syrian coast, allowed it to control important maritime routes and engage in trade with various Mediterranean civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

The fortress was built during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions and conflicts. The city-state faced threats from neighboring powers, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, and later the Macedonians and Romans. The fortress’s construction was thus a response to these external pressures and a testament to Arwad’s strategic military planning.

“The King of Arwad dwelt in the wide sea and fixed his dwelling like a fish in immeasurable waters.” –Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria-

Arwad apparently received the favor of the Seleucid Kings of Syria, and enjoyed the right of asylum for political refugees. Also, in some documents in connection with other cities and rulers of the near East, it is mentioned to show favor to the Jews.

This was after Rome had begun to interfere in the affairs of Judea and Syria, and indicates that Arwad was still of considerable importance at the time.

It formed an excellent base for the Phoenician commercial operations, into both the hinterland as far as the Euphrates, and also to Egypt. It was not until Roman times that the island declined, losing its commercial power to Antaradus (Ṭarṭus).

Tartus or Tartous with over 160,000 inhabitants is today the second most important town on the Syrian coast after Latakia. It is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, opposite Arwad Island.

Tartus was founded in antiquity as Antaradus (Anti-Aradus or the town facing Aradus), as a Phoenician colony of Arwad/Aradus. It was rebuilt in 346 AD by Emperor Constantine the I and flourished during Roman and Byzantine times. It became a major Christian stronghold and it is claimed to have the first chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

In the 12^th and 13^th century AD, Crusaders occupied Tartus, then known as Tortosa, converting it into a fortress-town, and successfully defending it against attacks. It finally fell to the Arabs, who razed the walls, in 1302.

In November 1300, Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, and Amaury de Lusignan, Lord of Tyre, attempted to occupy the former Templar stronghold of Tortosa.

A force of 600 men, of which the Templars supplied about 150, failed to establish itself in the town, although they were able to leave a garrison of 120 men on the Island of Ruad (Arwad), just off the coast.

Nearly forty of these men were still in prison in Cairo, Egypt, years later, where according to a former Genoese fellow prisoner, they died of starvation, having refused an offer of many riches and goods in return for apostatizing.

Tortosa was the last stand the Templars had on the mainland of Syria towards Arwad, which they kept for another decade.

From the beginning of the Ottoman conquest, the town declined in importance until its port was rejuvenated in the 20th century.

Today, there is a Templar castle and an Arab castle, both dating from the 13th century, still to be seen on Arwad, which is now an entirely Arab island dependent for its livelihood on the fishing industry. Arwad can be reached by boat from Tartus.

Architectural Features

The megalithic fortress stands out due to its impressive and sophisticated architectural features. The term “megalithic” refers to the use of large stone blocks in construction, which is evident in its massive walls and defensive structures.

These walls, which are up to 12 meters (40 feet) high and 5 meters (16 feet) wide, were designed to withstand both sieges and assaults. They provided strength, but also durability, allowing the fortress to endure over millennia.

The walls were built using large, finely cut stone blocks, many of which are polygonal in shape. This construction method was highly advanced for its time and reflects the skill and sophistication of the builders. They were equipped with towers and bastions at strategic points. These towers provided elevated vantage points for defenders and allowed for effective surveillance and defense of the fortress.

The bastions were designed to enfilade enemy troops, creating a crossfire that was highly effective in repelling attacks.

The fortress had multiple gates, each fortified and protected by complex gatehouses. The main gate was particularly elaborate, featuring a series of defensive barriers and traps designed to slow down and confuse attackers. This gate was flanked by two massive towers, each with arrow slits and defensive platforms.

Within the walls, the internal layout was organized for both residential and military purposes. The fortress contained living quarters for the garrison, administrative buildings, and storage facilities.

The design of the internal spaces reflected a high degree of organization and functionality, ensuring that the fortress could support a prolonged siege, if necessary.

Strategic Importance

The strategic location of Arwad’s fortress was central to its historical significance. The island’s position in the Mediterranean Sea provided it with several key advantages.

Phoenician Influence

The island was a center of Phoenician culture, known for its shipbuilding and trade networks. Some of the inscriptions and artifacts found on the island provide insight into the Phoenician language and religious practices.

Maritime Control

Arwad’s location allowed it to control important maritime routes. The fortress overlooked the sea lanes used by merchant ships traveling between the eastern coasts and the wider Mediterranean region. By controlling these routes, Arwad could exert influence over trade and commerce, and secure its position as a major port city.

Defense Against Invasion

The fortress was strategically designed to defend against maritime and land-based invasions. Its elevated position on the island made it difficult for invaders to approach and launch a successful attack. The combination of thick walls, defensive towers, and the surrounding sea, created a formidable barrier that protected the city from numerous sieges and assaults.

Economic and Political Power

Arwad’s control over maritime trade routes contributed to its economic prosperity. The fortress not only defended the city but also symbolized its political and economic power. The presence of such a strong defensive structure indicated the city’s wealth and its ability to project power regionally and beyond.

Ancient Harbor

Arwad’s strategic position made it an important maritime hub in antiquity. The island has remnants of an ancient harbor system, which underscores its significance as a port city and its role in trade and military operations across the Mediterranean.

Historical Significance

Arwad played a significant role during various historical periods, including the Persian and Roman eras. It was often a point of contention and a strategic asset due to its location and fortifications.

Cultural Continuity

The island has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, and it has retained much of its ancient character. Even in modern times, the local population still engages in traditional practices that reflect the island’s long history.

Maritime Heritage

Arwad has a rich maritime history, with evidence of ancient shipbuilding techniques and naval activities. The presence of ancient shipyards and related infrastructure highlights its role in maritime trade and warfare.

These aspects of Arwad add depth to our understanding of its historical and cultural significance, making it a truly remarkable site with a rich heritage that extends beyond the well-known aspects of its megalithic fortifications.

The fortress holds significant historical value. It is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of ancient civilizations and reflects the broader cultural and political context of the time. Its design influenced subsequent fortifications in the region and contributed to the development of military architecture in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Excavations and studies of the fortress have provided important information about ancient construction techniques, defensive strategies, and the daily life of the inhabitants.

The insights gained from studying Arwad’s fortress contribute to our understanding of ancient civilizations, their military strategies, and their cultural practices.

As research and excavation continue, the fortress of Arwad will undoubtedly yield further revelations about its past and its impact on the ancient Mediterranean world.

What do you think about The Megalithic Fortress of Arwad and other Megalithic structures in the world? Let us know in the comment section below and share the post!!!

Video version here:

The Megalithic Fortress of Arwad – Syria

Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arwad

https://www.aramcoworld.com/Articles/January-2016/Arwad-Fortress-at-Sea

https://homsonline.com/EN/Citeis/Tartus.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Ruad

https://www.megalithicbuilders.com/asia/syria/arwad-arwad-wall

SOURCES:

Malcolm Barber, Trial of the Templars
Martin Bernal, Black Athena Writes Back (Durham: Duke University Press, 2001), 359.
Lawrence I Conrad, ‘The Conquest of Arwād: A Source-critical study in the historiography of the early medieval Near East’, in The Byzantine and early Islamic Near East: Papers of the First Workshop on Late Antiquity and Early Islam, edited by Averil Cameron and Lawrence I Conrad, Studies in late antiquity and early Islam, 1, vol. 1, Problems in the literary source material (Princeton: Darwin Press, 1992), 317–401.
Alain Demurger, The Last Templar
Hazlitt, The Classical Gazetteer, p.53.
Lebling, Robert W. 2016. “Arwad, Fortress at Sea”. Aramco World. January February 2016. Volume 67, no. 1. Pages 34–41.
Newman, Sharan (2006). Real History Behind the Templars. Berkley Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-425-21533-3.
Jean Richard, Les Croisades
Sylvia Schein, “Gesta Dei per Mongolos”
Dave Eggers, Zeitoun
Krahmalkov, Charles R (2000). Phoenician-Punic dictionary. Peeters Publishers.

PICS:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ruad_large.jpg

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Views_of_Sepulchral_Monuments_near_Aradus_A_Plan_of_an_Open_Temple_X_A_View_of_a_Throne_in_T_The_Island_Aradus_C_-_Pococke_Richard_-_1745.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_island_of_Tortosa_-_Mayer_Luigi_-_1810.jpg

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arwad_Ottoman_era_lighthouse.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ifpo_23352_Syrie,_gouvernorat_de_Tartous,_District_de_Tartous,_%C3%AEle_de_Raouad,_vue_a%C3%A9rienne_oblique.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Le_Tour_du_monde-07-p044-crop.jpg

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Castle_in_the_island_of_Tortosa_-_Mayer_Luigi_-_1810.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arwad_Castle_%E9%98%BF%E7%93%A6%E5%BE%B7%E5%8F%A4%E5%A0%A1_-_panoramio.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arwad_citadel_0712.jpg

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syria_Ethno-religious_composition..jpg

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phoenicia_map-en.svg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia#/media/File:Construction_of_Xerxes_Bridge_of_boats_by_Phoenician_sailors.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coin_of_Abdashtart_I,_Achaemenid_Phoenicia_(2).jpg

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/templar-knight-sword-medieval-8885310

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/knight-templar-knight-templar-8450835

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia#/media/File:Phoenician_trade_routes_(eng).svg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire#/media/File:Seleucid_Empire_alternative_map.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seleucid_Empire#/media/File:Seleucid-Empire_200bc.jpg

Posted on 07/22/202407/22/2024 by ALKEMYSTICA — Leave a comment

Symbolic and Occult meanings of Horns

Exploring the symbolic and occult meanings of horns involves delving into various cultural, historical, and mythological contexts where they have played significant roles. This essay will examine how horns have been perceived across different civilizations, their symbolic representations, and their deeper, occult meanings in various belief systems and mythologies.

Beyond their biological function, horns have been imbued with symbolic meanings that transcend the natural world. Across cultures, horns have been associated with power, fertility, divinity, and protection. In occult traditions, they hold esoteric significance, often linking the earthly with the unearthly realms.

Horns are an animal’s weapon, so it follows that as a symbol they function as representing this aspect. They are also the power and dignity of the divinity, and horned gods usually represent warriors and lords of animals.

Horns can have both positive and negative symbolic meanings. They can represent:

Strength and aggressiveness, as an animal’s weapon.
Divinity: In many cultures, powerful deities or divine beings are depicted with horns to emphasize their authority over earthly matters and spiritual realms. The size and shape of horns can imply the magnitude of their power.
Salvation and immortality: Horns are durable, so they can represent redemption and eternal life.
Protection and asylum: Deities or beings depicted with horns may symbolize guardianship and protection. They are seen as defenders who offer sanctuary and safeguard individuals or communities from harm.
Madness and rage: Horns are often associated with violence, especially from a charging animal.
Masculine representation: Horns can be a phallic symbol.
Beauty, strength, and wisdom: Horns can be considered beautiful due to their graceful curves and intricate shapes. They are often associated with animals renowned for their physical strength and endurance. They may also represent an elevated consciousness or a connection to higher realms of understanding, emphasizing wisdom gained through introspection and divine revelation.
Death and unordered passions: Horned beings may be guardians or guides of the underworld, where they oversee the transition of souls or judge the deceased. Horns are often linked to animals known for their wild and untamed nature, such as bulls or rams.
Victory: The raised horn is a common biblical symbol, especially of being rescued from oppression.
In ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, horns were symbols of gods and goddesses. The Mesopotamian bull-man Enkidu. The Egyptian goddess Hathor, who was depicted with horns, symbolizing her nurturing and protective aspects.

In Judeo-Christian traditions, horns take on many meanings.

Keren is a Hebrew word whose primary meaning is horn. It’s sometimes used to refer to the shofar, an instrument made from a ram’s horn used ceremonially in Jewish rituals, symbolizing mystical awakening and repentance. It also refers to the legal category of damage inflicted by an animal’s horn.

Keren also means “ray, or something projected from a point.”
An additional meaning of Keren is “fund or capital.”
For the meaning “fund”, some scholars provide this etymology to be borrowed from Akkadian qerenu (heap, stack or threshing floor.)

Keren as horn derives from the Hebrew haruv. The Greeks had a word for carob – keration, literally meaning “little horn”, from keras, horn. This eventually led to the English word carat and modern Italian corna.

In Italy, when confronted with unfortunate events, or simply when these events are mentioned, the sign of the horns may be given to ward off further bad luck. It is also used traditionally to ward off the “evil eye” (malocchio).

Horns are also associated with the devil in Christian iconography, portraying evil and temptation.

When the Israelites started worshipping idols in the shape of bulls, their religious authority condemned these acts as they believed that there was only one true god. Hence horns started to represent something shunned upon or evil.

In Islam, Dhu al-Qarnayn, “The Two-Horned One”, appears in the Qur’an as one who travels to the east and west and sets up a barrier between a certain people and Gog and Magog.

The Arabian word qarn means both “horn” and “period” or “century”.

Dhu al-Qarnayn has mostly been identified by Western and traditional Muslim scholars as Alexander the Great, others have argued in favour of him being actually Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and conqueror of Persia and Babylon.

In Hinduism, the horned god Shiva is both a destroyer and a creator, embodying cosmic balance.

In Hatha Yoga, a hand gesture similar to horns is known as Apana Mudra, and it’s believed to rejuvenate the body. In Indian classical dance forms, it symbolizes the lion. In Ayurveda they use deer horns as medicine.

In Buddhism, the Karana Mudrā is seen as a gesture to expel demons, remove negative energy, and ward off evil. It is commonly found on depictions of Gautama Buddha. Tibetan Buddhism features wrathful deities adorned with skulls and horns, signifying their fierce protective powers.

Horns are also found on the Song dynasty statue of Laozi, the founder of Taoism in China. In Chinese culture, ox horns symbolize strength and resilience.

It’s interesting to note the similar etymology and sound of horn, keren, qerenu, keras, corna, qarn, karana…it’s a piece of the puzzle to support the theory of an ancient worldwide body of knowledge and connection.

Symbolic Meanings of Horns

Power and Authority

Horns often symbolize power and authority. In ancient times, rulers wore horned crowns or helmets to signify their leadership and divine right to rule. This symbolism persists in modern contexts, where horns denote strength and dominance.

Fertility and Vitality

Throughout history, horns have been linked to fertility and vitality due to their association with animals like bulls and goats. In agricultural societies, horned gods and goddesses were revered for their ability to ensure abundant harvests and animal fertility.

Protection and Defense

Horns are also symbols of protection and defense. In many cultures, amulets and talismans featuring horn motifs were believed to ward off evil spirits and provide protection. Horned animals like the bull were seen as guardians of their herds.

Transformation and Spirituality

In occult traditions, horns represent transformation and awakening. The Horned God archetype, found in various pagan traditions, symbolizes the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Horned deities are often associated with the wilderness and the untamed aspects of nature.

Occult Meanings of Horns

Esoteric Symbolism

In occultism, horns have esoteric meanings related to enlightenment and occult knowledge. They symbolize the ability to transcend earthly limitations and connect with higher realms of consciousness.

Ritualistic Uses

Horns are used in occult practices to invoke unearthly forces and entities. Horned masks and headdresses are worn in ceremonial rituals to channel specific energies or deities and embrace the darker aspects of human nature to undergo a metamorphosis through rituals.

Alchemical Symbolism

In alchemy, horns symbolize the process of transformation and purification. The horned symbol represents the union of opposites and the synthesis of mystical and material elements. Alchemists sought to achieve enlightenment and immortality also through the symbolic transformation represented by horns.

Mythological meaning of Horns

The unicorn is a legendary creature that has been described since antiquity as a beast with a single large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead.

The horn itself and the substance it was made of was called alicorn, and it was believed that the horn held magical and medicinal properties.

Dark meanings of Horns

The symbolism of horns also encompasses darker and more obscure meanings, often delving into themes of rebellion, forbidden knowledge, and the primal instincts of humanity. These interpretations are found in various occult traditions and mythologies where horns are associated with entities and deities considered malevolent or adversary.

Rebellion and Non-Conformity

In occult and esoteric contexts, horns can symbolize rebellion against established norms and authority. Entities or beings depicted with horns, such as demons or rebellious gods, embody a defiance of conventional rules and structures. They represent a primal, untamed aspect of human nature that seeks to challenge and transcend limitations.

The horned god archetype, such as Pan or Cernunnos in pagan traditions, is often depicted as a mediator between the human and supernatural worlds, offering knowledge that challenges conventional understanding.

Malevolence and Darkness

Horned creatures like the Krampus in Alpine folklore or various demonic beings in mythologies are feared symbols of darkness and chaos.

Primal Instincts and Wild Nature

Animals with horns are often associated with raw power, aggression, and sexual potency. In occultism, this primal energy can be harnessed for both creative and destructive purposes, reflecting the dualistic nature of horns as symbols of both life-giving fertility and dangerous aggression.

Radiant meanings of Horns

While horns can indeed carry darker and more ambiguous meanings in certain contexts, they also hold positive and benevolent symbolism across various cultures. These interpretations often highlight qualities such as strength, protection, fertility, and mystical connection.

Strength and Power

Some of the most prominent positive symbolic meanings of horns are strength and power. In many cultures, horns symbolize the strength to overcome challenges and obstacles.

Protection and Defense

In ancient times, horns adorned helmets and shields, symbolizing the defensive capabilities of warriors. Amulets and talismans featuring horn motifs were believed to ward off evil entities and provide protection to the wearer.

Fertility and Abundance

In agricultural societies, horns are symbols of fertility and abundance. Horned gods and goddesses were invoked to bless fields and ensure prosperity in fertility rituals and ceremonies.

Connection to Nature and the Divine

Horns are often seen as symbols of a connection to nature and the divine. Animals with horns are viewed as intermediaries between the earthly and unearthly realms, embodying the raw forces of nature and the wisdom of the natural world.

Positive Masculine Energy

The strength, protection, and vitality associated with horned animals and deities are often seen as embodiments of positive masculine attributes such as courage, resilience, and leadership.

Are there any hidden meanings in the symbolism of horns?

The symbolism of horns often carries hidden or deeper meanings that go beyond their more obvious interpretations.

Dualistic Nature

One hidden meaning of horn symbolism is its dualistic nature. Horns can simultaneously represent both positive and negative qualities, such as strength and aggression, protection and danger, fertility and untamed instincts. This duality reflects the complex and contradictory aspects of human nature and the universe itself, emphasizing the interconnectedness of opposites.

Gateway to Other Realms

In occult and mystical traditions, horns are sometimes seen as symbolic gateways or portals to other realms of existence. Horned deities and higher beings are believed to possess the ability to traverse between the physical world and other dimensions, acting as intermediaries or guides for those seeking deeper mystical knowledge and experiences.

Integration of Mystical and Physical Energies

In esoteric practices, horns represent the union of divine and earthly forces, embodying the harmonious balance between enlightenment and material existence.

Transformation and Evolution

Horns symbolize transformation and evolution, both on a personal and cosmic level. They represent the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the continuous process of enlightenment. Horned deities and mythological figures often undergo symbolic transformations, symbolizing the evolution of consciousness and the pursuit of higher wisdom.

Hidden Knowledge and Mysteries

Horns can be symbols of hidden knowledge and mysteries that lie beyond ordinary perception. In occult traditions, horned symbols are associated with esoteric teachings, arcane wisdom, and secret societies that seek to uncover deeper truths about existence and the universe.

The symbolic and occult meanings of horns underscore their enduring significance in human culture, reflecting universal themes of power, fertility, protection, and transcendence. As humanity continues to evolve, so too will the interpretations and applications of horn symbolism, resonating across time and cultures as a testament to our collective quest for meaning and connection to the divine.

What do you think about the Symbolism and Meanings of Horns? Let us know in the comment section and share the post!!!

Video version here:

Symbolic and Occult meanings of Horns

Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

https://www.thejc.com/judaism/jewish-words/keren-drv9jg6v

https://www.balashon.com/2016/09/keren.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_horns

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornucopia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horned_deity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horned_Serpent

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicorn

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhu_al-Qarnayn