Hamat
/ˈhæm.ət/noun
Hamat is an English transliteration and variant spelling of ancient place names, especially the biblical city usually rendered Hamath.
Did you know?Hamat is often linked with Hebrew ḥămāṯ and possibly the Semitic root for “heat,” a proposed connection that may place it alongside words such as hammam, meaning a bathhouse.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*ḥ-m-m
“A reconstructed root associated with heat or being hot; its connection to the place name is possible but not certain.”
Iron Age
Hebrew
Ḥămāṯ
“The Hebrew form of the ancient Syrian city name, later commonly transliterated as Hamath.”
Classical Antiquity
Greek
Emath
“A Greek-transliterated form appearing in ancient references to the city.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Emath
“A Latinized form used in biblical and geographical traditions.”
Medieval Period
Arabic
Ḥamāh
“The Arabic name of the Syrian city, now generally rendered Hama.”
Modern English
English
Hamat
“A variant English transliteration or spelling of Hamath and related ancient place names.”