Moloch, also known as
Molech,
Molekh,
Molok,
Molek,
Moloc,
Melech,
Milcom, or
Molcom (representing
Semitic מלך ملك
m-l-k, a
Semitic root meaning "
king") is the name of an ancient type of sacrifice or a god, who was first worshiped in
Ammon. Moloch was either practised (as a sacrifice) or worshipped (as a god) by the
Canaanites,
Phoenicians, and related cultures in
North Africa and the
Levant.