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CHILDREN SACRIFICED
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CHILDREN SACRIFICED
MOLOCH the Phoenician deity to whom live children were sacrificed by fire Date: 7th century BC
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Media ID 23030698
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Deity Human Live Moloch Phoenician Sacrifice Sacrificed
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This haunting image depicts the ancient Phoenician custom of child sacrifice, dedicated to the deity Moloch. Dating back to the 7th century BC, this practice was a deeply disturbing aspect of the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of the Phoenicians, a civilization that thrived in the Mediterranean region. Moloch was believed to be a god of fertility, protection, and destruction. The most common form of sacrifice to Moloch involved the burning of live children in his bronze statue, which was shaped like a bull with a large, outstretched mouth. According to historical accounts, parents would bring their children to the temple, place them in the hands of the priests, and then watch in agony as they were consumed by the flames. The exact reasons for this horrific practice are still a subject of debate among historians and scholars. Some believe that it was a way to appease the gods and ensure the prosperity of the community, while others argue that it was a form of purification or a rite of passage. Regardless of the motivation, the image of children being sacrificed to Moloch is a stark reminder of the darker aspects of human history. This print, from the extensive archives of Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a glimpse into the past and sheds light on the complex and often contradictory nature of religious beliefs and cultural practices. It serves as a reminder that, despite the progress and advancements of civilization, the human capacity for both great good and great evil remains a constant presence in our world.
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