Altar Dedicated to the Palmyrene God Iarhibol
Limestone, H. 73.7 cm, W. 36.8 cm, D. 27.9 cm
From the Temple of the Palmyrene Gods, Dura-Europos, 165–256 CE
Yale University Art Gallery, Yale-French Excavations at Dura-Europos: 1929.385
Photography © 2011 Yale University Art Gallery
This altar epitomizes the multiculturalism of the city. The Greek inscription reads: “[For] the god Iarhibol, Scribonius Moucianus, chiliarch, made this as commanded.” Thus, a Latin-named dedicant, who holds a Greek-titled office in the Roman army, records his offering to the Palmyrene god Iarhibol in Greek. His office of chiliarch (commander of 1,000 men) was first introduced to the Macedonian army by Alexander the Great, following the model of his Persian opponent.