Moloch
The archaeological site known as the Tophet in Carthage contains the remains of children and animals, which some scholars interpret as evidence of sacrificial rites.
Valley of Hinnom
And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.
Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.
"Tophet" or "Topheth" is a term that originates from the Hebrew Bible and is closely associated with the Valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem.
Here are key aspects of Tophet:
Name: The term "Tophet" is believed to derive from either the Hebrew root word meaning "to burn" or from an Aramaic word that means "fireplace".Biblical References: It appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts relating to child sacrifice and idolatry (e.g., 2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 7:31).
And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.
Jewish PerspectiveIn Jewish history and Rabbinic literature, Tophet, like the Valley of Hinnom, became a symbol of idolatry and the grave sin of child sacrifice.
Christian InterpretationIn Christian tradition, Tophet, by association with the Valley of Hinnom or Gehenna, also came to symbolize a place of punishment and damnation, referenced in the context of hell and eternal suffering.
DiscoveriesArchaeological excavations in the region identified areas that have been proposed as the historical location of Tophet.
ControversyThe interpretation of Tophet as a site of child sacrifice is debated among archaeologists and historians.