Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tophet
noun
ˈtō-fət
Definition
a place associated with the worship of an ancient god, often linked to child sacrifice.
Examples
- In ancient times, parents might have taken their children to the tophet, believing it would appease their gods.
- The archaeologists uncovered remnants of the tophet, revealing the historical significance of such a site.
- Tophet is often mentioned in the context of ancient religious practices in texts from the region.
Meaning
Tophet refers to a specific location, particularly in the context of the ancient Near East, where it was believed that inhabitants engaged in sacrificial rituals, especially involving children, as offerings to deities.
Synonyms
- holy site
- sacred ground
- altar