Hawot
Hawot, the Carthaginian god of the underworld and the dead, occupies a shadowy yet significant place in their pantheon. Unlike some deities with well-documented roles and characteristics, piecing together Hawot’s story requires delving into the limited evidence available.
Greek equivalent: Hades
Roman equivalent: Pluto
Hawot’s primary domain was the underworld, the realm of the deceased. This association is evident in his name itself, which might be derived from a word meaning “to dig” or “pit,” alluding to the subterranean nature of his domain.
Unfortunately, the scarcity of written records and the destruction of Carthage by the Romans leave many unanswered questions about Hawot. Unlike some deities with elaborate temples and well-documented rituals, details about Hawot’s specific cult practices remain elusive.
Scholars believe Hawot might have been influenced by deities from other cultures associated with the underworld. Comparisons are drawn to the Egyptian god Osiris, who presided over the realm of the dead, and the Greek Hades, ruler of the underworld. However, the exact nature of these influences, if any, remains unclear.
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