The book was commissioned, funded and published by the Leventis Foundation, which is a Cypriot cultural and research institution.
Though I have just started it, I am impressed by how much lovely historical, cultural and archaeological information there is inside about Aphrodite!
Aphrodite is among my favorite Goddesses and I am proud she comes from Cyprus! However, it is difficult to pick a patron Greek Goddess, because, (a) they are all cool, and (b) being jealous deities, you don't want to anger anyone by picking another!
;-)
At any rate, this book contains an incredible amount of reference from ancient sources and a wonderful collection of photographs from archaeological sites and findings.
Also, it features some new developments in Aphrodite research, such as the new Aphrodite temple discovered near Larnaca (the Ancient Kition, Κίτιον).
According to Homer, Aphrodite is the daughter of Zeus and Dione, a Goddess who bore Zeus this beautiful girl. According to Hesiod, however, she was born from the sea foam outside of Paphos. Shakespeare follows the Paphos story, calling Aphrodite "the Paphian", the Pafitissa (η Παφίτισσα) as we would say in my native Cypriot Greek. I think Aphrodite is not only the Goddess of beauty, but also the Goddess of Mermaids!
Until next weekend, xxx
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