Dagon

(da'gòn.) (Script.) The national idol or god of the Philistines, formed in human shape upwards from the waist, and resembling a fish downwards,with a finny tail. He had a temple at Gaza (Judges xvi. 23), and one a tAsh dod (1 Sam. v.1-7), which last was destroyed by Jonathan Maccabæus (1 Macc. x. 83, 84). A fish-god was worshipped by theBabylonians (Fig. 245). It was said to have emerged from the Red Sea, and to have taught men the use of letters, the arts, religion, and agriculture. [s. 261] IMG:p0290_0.jpg:Gravür