The word "Elath" is a place name in Israel located on the Red Sea. The spelling of this word is pronounced /ˈelæθ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "e" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, while the "a" is pronounced as a short "a" sound. The "t" is pronounced with a voiceless alveolar stop, which is a sound made by briefly stopping the airflow with the tongue behind the teeth. The pronunciation of Elath may vary depending on the speaker's accent or regional dialect.
Elath, also spelled Eloth, was an ancient city located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, in what is present-day southern Israel. Historically, Elath held strategic significance due to its advantageous location as a seaport, linking the Red Sea with the southern territories of ancient Israel. The city's name, Elath, originates from the Hebrew word "Elat," meaning "grove" or "copse," referencing its location amidst palm groves that once thrived in the area.
Elath is mentioned in various historical and biblical texts, including the Old Testament. It is believed to have been first settled by the Edomites, an ancient Semitic people, before being increasingly influenced by other civilizations, such as the Israelites and Nabateans. The city played a crucial role in trade, connecting ancient Israel with other states and cultures in the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Over time, Elath's cultural and religious landscape evolved, reflecting the influence of foreign powers and diverse communities. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of temples dedicated to deities like the Phoenician goddess Astarte and the Edomite god Qos.
Despite its historical significance, the city of Elath gradually declined and eventually became desolate. Nowadays, the modern Israeli city of Eilat partially occupies the archaeological site of ancient Elath.
The word "Elath" has its roots in ancient Hebrew. It comes from the Hebrew word אֵילַת (Elath), which is derived from the word אַיְלָה (aylah), meaning "oak tree" or "terebinth tree". The name Elath is also associated with an ancient city located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, near present-day Eilat in Israel.