Soter

Soter derives from the Greek epithet σωτήρ (sōtēr), meaning a saviour, a deliverer; initial capitalised Σωτήρ; fully capitalised ΣΩΤΗΡ; feminine Soteria (Σωτηρία). Soter has been used as:

• as a title of gods: Poseidon Soter, Zeus Soter, Dionysus Soter, Athena Soteria and Hecate Soteria.
• as the name of a distinct mythical figure, Soter (daimon)
• any heroized leaders of Hellenistic dynasties, see hero cult:
  • Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt (reigned 323-283 BCE)
  • Antiochus I Soter of the Seleucid Empire (reigned 281-261 BCE)
  • Demetrius I Soter of the Seleucid Empire (reigned 161-150 BCE)
  • Diomedes Soter
  • Dionysios Soter
  • Polyxenos Epiphanes Soter
  • Rabbel II Soter
  • Attalus I
  • Seleucus III Ceraunus
  • Ptolemy IX
  • Diodotus I
  • Strato II
  • Strato I
  • Menander I
• as a title of liberators (see also eleutherios)
• a title of Jesus of Nazareth, most particularly in the fish acronym
• Saint Soter, Pope (in office ca 167-174) and Martyr

See also

• Hellenistic religion
• Soteria (disambiguation)
• Soteriology, the study of salvation; in Christian contexts, the branch of Christology dealing with Jesus' capacity as Saviour of humankind