Melqart is the God of kings and is responsible for upholding royal power. He was the principal God in Tyre, the mother city of Carthage, and maintained an important place in Carthage as well.
His principal ceremony in Tyre and Carthage was that of the awakening. It was a resurrection ceremony surrounded by considerable pomp and attended by many priests. This ceremony probably included the ritual burning of an effigy that would later be brought back in some manner.
He is often depicted standing on a podium while wearing a long, slit gown and a conical hat. Over His right shoulder, He holds a perforated axe.
The lotus is sacred to Him.
He is also known by the following names:
Herakles (Greek), Hercules (Roman), Melgart
Related Links: Melqart, God of Tyre, King of the Underworld
