In ancient Greek religion, a cult statue or sacred image of a deity, often made of precious materials and believed to be inhabited by divine presence.
From ancient Greek 'agalma' meaning 'delight' or 'ornament', derived from 'agallein' (to glorify or adorn). The term was used by classical Greeks to describe sacred statues in temples.
Ancient Greeks didn't see their temple statues as mere artistic representations — they genuinely believed the god inhabited the statue, making it a living presence! The care and ritual treatment of agalmata (plural) was central to Greek religious practice, and some were so sacred that only priests could view them.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.