Re: [tied] why did romans and greeks have had the same gods?

Yes, the name *dje:us (ph2te:r) > Indo-Aryan dyaus. (pita:), Gk. zeus (pate:r) and the vocative formula *djeu ph2ter (hence <iuppiter>) are no doubt old and widespread in the IE family. The etymological connection is real enough and justifies the reconstruction of the name of a sky god (*dje:us = 'daylight') shared by a number of IE groups. But the functions and attributes of "Dyeus" differ from branch to branch and it would be wrong to say that it's "the same god" everywhere.

Piotr

----- Original Message -----
From: dvjx1

To: cybalist@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, June 17, 2002 12:44 AM

Subject: Re: [tied] why did romans and greeks have had the same gods?

Wasn't there an Indian god 'Dyashpitar' or something similar? I assume this god is somehow connected with Jupiter and Zeus. David James