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{{Quote|1=Gustave Edmund Von Grunebaum's ''Classical Islam: A History, 600 A.D. to 1258 A.D.'' (pg 24)|2=Ghaiman had a red stone and the Ka'ba of al-'Abalat (near Tabala) had a white stone.}} | {{Quote|1=Gustave Edmund Von Grunebaum's ''Classical Islam: A History, 600 A.D. to 1258 A.D.'' (pg 24)|2=Ghaiman had a red stone and the Ka'ba of al-'Abalat (near Tabala) had a white stone.}} | ||
== | ==The Black Stone of Eloh== | ||
Ancient writers Herodian and Cassius Dio mention a temple in Syrian city of Emesa ( | Ancient writers Herodian and Cassius Dio mention a temple in Syrian city of Emesa (today known as Hims or Homs). A local Semitic god named ''Eloh'' (meaning Lord) was worshipped there. He was known to Romans and Greeks as Heliogabalus, a corrupted garbling of ''Eloh Gabal'' (Lord of Mountain, one of Eloh’s titles). Eloh was associated with sun and thus identified with Roman god Sol and Greek Helios. | ||
In the temple one of the holiest relics of antiquity, the Black Stone, was kept. It was believed to come from outside earth (possibly a meteorite) and to be a manifestation of Eloh himself. Faithful from the entire Roman orient | In the temple one of the holiest relics of antiquity, the Black Stone, was kept. It was believed to come from outside earth (possibly a meteorite) and to be a manifestation of Eloh himself. Faithful from the entire Roman orient made pilgrimage to the stone. They brought valuable gifts and offerings. The followers of Eloh obeyed ritualistic rules. For instance, they were required to be circumcised and were not allowed to eat pork. | ||
This cult would | This cult was one of many thousands in the ancient Mediterranean and would likely have been forgotten were it not for a certain dramatic and favorable occurrence. In 218 AD, a young priest of that temple and a Roman citizen--Varius Avitus Bassus--was prompted by his power-hungry family to usurp the throne of Rome by claiming to be an illegitimate son of the murdered emperor Caracalla (who ruled 211-217). Successful in his usurpation, Varius Avitus Bassus ruled for four years and was thereafter remembered by his nickname–also the name of his god–Elagabalus. | ||
Elagabalus was | Elagabalus was generally considered to have been an exceptionally perverted ruler. He was reported to have prostituted himself in the imperial palace and had numerous wives and husbands at the same time. He was widely known as an unapologetic masochist, allowing everyone to beat him. Many of Elagabalus's attributed his debauchery and lack of decorum to what they considered to be the corrupting influence of the cult of the deity Eloh. | ||
The young emperor brought his famous Black Stone to Rome. He wanted to make the worship of Eloh either supreme or the only religion of the Roman Empire. This caused uproar among Romans. Every year in summer a bizarre procession was talking place. The Black Stone was placed on a chariot with reins stick to it (suggesting that the god himself was coaching). The emperor was walking afoot near the chariot. Senators, notable citizens, parade of soldiers, musicians and exotic animals followed. | The young emperor brought his famous Black Stone to Rome. He wanted to make the worship of Eloh either supreme or the only religion of the Roman Empire. This caused uproar among Romans. Every year in summer a bizarre procession was talking place. The Black Stone was placed on a chariot with reins stick to it (suggesting that the god himself was coaching). The emperor was walking afoot near the chariot. Senators, notable citizens, parade of soldiers, musicians and exotic animals followed. | ||