A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 1 (of 6)Bryant, Jacob
Religion
A New System; or, an Analysis of Antient Mythology. Volume 1 (of 6)
Bryant, Jacob
History, Ancient; Mythology
antient terms is by a fair analysis. This must be discovered by an apparent
analogy; and supported by the history of the place, or person, to whom the
terms relate. If such helps can be obtained, we may determine very truly
the etymology of an Egyptian or Syriac name; however it may appear
repugnant to the orthography of the Hebrews. The term Hanes is not so
uncommon as may be imagined. Zeus was worshipped under this title in
Greece, and styled Ζευς Αινησιος. The Scholiast upon Apollonius Rhodius
mentions his temple, and terms it [600]Διος Αινησιου ἱερον ου μνημονευει
και Λεων εν περιπλῳ, και Δημοσθενης εν λιμεσι. It is also taken notice of
by Strabo, who speaks of a mountain Hanes, where the temple stood.
[601]Μεγιστον δε ορος εν αυτῃ Αινος (lege Αινης) εν ᾡ το του Διος Αινησιου
ἱερον. The mountain of Zeus Ainesius must have been Aines, and not Ainos;
though it occurs so in our present copies of Strabo. The Scholiast above
quotes a verse from Hesiod, where the Poet styles the Deity Αινηιος.
Ενθ' ὁιγ' ευχεσθην Αινηιῳ ὑψιμεδοντι.
Aineïus, and Ainesius are both alike from Hanes, the Deity of Egypt, whose
rites may be traced in various parts. There were places named Aineas, and
Ainesia in Thrace; which are of the same original. This title occurs
sometimes with the prefix Ph'anes: and the Deity so called was by the early
theologists thought to have been of the highest antiquity. They esteemed
him the same as [602]Ouranus, and Dionusus: and went so far as to give him
a creative [603]power, and to deduce all things from him. The Grecians from
Phanes formed Φαναιος, which they gave as a title both to [604]Zeus, and
Apollo. In this there was nothing extraordinary, for they were both the
same God. In the north of Italy was a district called Ager [605]Pisanus.
The etymology of this name is the same as that of Hanes, and Phanes; only
the terms are reversed. It signifies ignis fons: and in confirmation of
this etymology I have found the place to have been famous for its hot
streams, which are mentioned by Pliny under the name of Aquæ Pisanæ. Cuma
in Campania was certainly denominated from Chum, heat, on account of its
soil, and situation. Its medicinal [606]waters are well known; which were
called Aquæ Cumanæ. The term Cumana is not formed merely by a Latine
inflection; but consists of the terms Cumain, and signifies a hot fountain;
or a fountain of Chum, or Cham, the Sun. The country about it was called
Phlegra; and its waters are mentioned by Lucretius.
[607]Qualis apud Cumas locus est, montemque Vesevum,
Oppleti calidis ubi fumant fontibus auctus.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account