Arsu
Ancient deity from Syria and Arabia
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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".[1] It is likely he was associated with the planet Mercury early on.[2]
Elsewhere in pre-Islamic Arabia, he was equated with Ruda (literally benign).
