The Mother of Gods in the Pontic Regions: Syncretism, Local Adaptation, and Religious Interaction

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

The cult of the Mother of the Gods, which spanned from the Late Iron Age to the Early Roman Period in the Pontic regions, reflects a complex and multilayered religious landscape deeply rooted in the practices of local communities.This cult was not limited by conventional boundaries but constituted a significant part of a broader network of religious interaction extending beyond the mentioned areas.Archaeological findings and epigraphic evidence point to various names attributed to the goddess, each having different regional interpretations and perceptions over time.The use of expressions such as "Mother of Pontos" highlights the goddess's strong geographical and cultural connection to the region, underscoring the integration of local traditions with wider religious practices.The incorporation of local deities into this cult reveals the syncretic and adaptable nature of regional belief systems, demonstrating their capacity to evolve and respond to changing circumstances.Such processes of religious interaction and adaptation illustrate the dynamic, flexible, and interconnected nature of ancient religious structures in the Pontic regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of the area's cultural and religious diversity.