The many contacts of the Carthaginians with Celts and Celtiberians may explain the coincidence in their religions. Baal Hammon seems to match the Celt god Bel, for example, and the great Celtic festival of Beltane, held on May 1st, may derive its name from the Carthaginian gods Baal Hammon and Tanit. The Irish word for fire, teine, is similar to the Carthaginian word tine, which was regarded as a gift from Tanit. The first of May was considered the beginning of summer, and Beltane was pronounced Bel-ti-na. There are a number of other parallels with the Celtic religion (Druid) which point to numerous contacts.

Next page > Temple Layout > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

This resource page is copyright © 2001-2002 Roy Decker.