Derzelas (Darzalas) was a Dacian or Thracianchthonic god of abundance and the underworld, health and human spirit's vitality.[1]
Darzalas was the god of Hellenistic period Odessos (modern Varna) and was frequently depicted on its coinage[2] from the third century BCE to the third century CE[3] and portrayed in numerous terracotta figurines, as well as in a rare 4th century BC lead one found in the city.[4] Darzalas was often depicted in himation, holding cornucopiae with altars by his side. There was a temple dedicated to him with a cult statue, and games (Darzaleia) were held in his honor every five years, possibly attended by Gordian III in 238 CE.
Another temple dedicated to Derzelas was built at Histria - a Greek colony on the shore of the Black Sea in the third century BC.
^C. J. Howgego; Volker Heuchert; Andrew M. Burnett (2008). Coinage and Identity in the Roman Provinces. Oxford University Press. p. 110. ISBN9780199237845.
