Qaryat al‐Fāw/Qaryatum dhāt Kāhilim: On the identity of the god Kahl

Research on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area, reveals that the god Kahl, a patron deity of Qaryat al-Fāw (anciently known as Qaryatum dhāt Kāhilim), may belong to the archetype of the 'smiting or menacing god,' a common motif in the Eastern Mediterranean. This insight emerges from analyzing coins featuring Kahl's likeness and comparing them with regional iconographies found in petroglyphs, statues, and paintings. Despite limited textual records on his attributes or sphere of influence, the study suggests potential connections between Kahl and broader religious iconographies, offering a new perspective on ancient South Arabian worship practices.

de Lara, J. (2024). Qaryat al‐Fāw/Qaryatum dhāt Kāhilim: On the identity of the god Kahl. Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy, 35(1), 136–154. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aae.12249