The word is the equivalent of {...}, "my lady," a very suitable title for the supreme goddess.

Beltis, indeed, in Babylonia, was distinct from Ishtar;[1199] but this fact must not be regarded as any sufficient proof that the case was the same in Phoenicia.

The Phoenician polytheism was decidedly more restricted than the Babylonian, and did not greatly affect the needless multiplication of divinities.

Baaltis in Phoenicia may be the Beltis of Babylon imported at a comparatively late date into the country, but is more probably an alternative name, or rather, perhaps, a mere honorary title of Ashtoreth.[11100] The chief characteristic of the third period of the Phoenician religion was the syncretistic tendency,[11101] whereby foreign gods were called in, and either identified with the old national divinities, or joined with them, and set by their side.

Ammon, Osiris, Phthah, Pasht, and Athor, were introduced from Egypt, Tanith from either Egypt or Syria, Nergal from Assyria, Beltis (Baaltis) perhaps from Babylon.