Lesson plan
Arsu
Arsu was a god worshipped in Palmyra, Syria. A deity known from Syrian and northern Arabian lands, being represented as either male or female (most often). Arsu was connected with the evening star. Frequently portrayed as riding a camel and accompanied by his twin brother Azizos; both were regarded as the protectors of caravans. His worship is also confirmed by material evidence found in the Temple of Adonis, Dura-Europos. In the temple complex there was a relief depicting Arsu on a camel. The inscription under the figure reads: "Oga the sculptor has made (this to) 'Arsu the camel-rider, for the life of his son". It is likely he was associated with the planet Mercury early on. Elsewhere in pre-Islamic Arabia, he was equated with Ruda (literally benign).
Article summary
Arsu was a god worshipped in Palmyra, Syria. A deity known from Syrian and northern Arabian lands, being represented as either male or female (most often). Arsu was connected with the evening star. Frequently portrayed as riding a camel and accompanied by his twin brother Azizos; both were regarded as the protectors of caravans. His worship is also confirmed by material evidence found in the Temple of Adonis, Dura-Europos. In the temple complex there was a relief depicting Arsu on a camel. The inscription under the figure reads: "Oga the sculptor has made (this to) 'Arsu the camel-rider, for the life of his son". It is likely he was associated with the planet Mercury early on. Elsewhere in pre-Islamic Arabia, he was equated with Ruda (literally benign).
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.