Tῆς πάσης ναυτιλίης φύλαξ: Aphrodite and the Sea
This paper offers a collection of generally neglected Hellenistic epigrams and some literary and epigraphic evidence that attest to the worship of Aphrodite as a patron deity of navigation.The goddess’ temples were often coastal not because they were places where “sacred prostitution” was practiced,...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Centre
[2010]
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| In: |
Kernos
Year: 2010, Volume: 23, Pages: 67-89 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (doi) Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | This paper offers a collection of generally neglected Hellenistic epigrams and some literary and epigraphic evidence that attest to the worship of Aphrodite as a patron deity of navigation.The goddess’ temples were often coastal not because they were places where “sacred prostitution” was practiced, but rather because of Aphrodite’s association with the sea and her role as a patron of seafaring.The protection she offered was to anyone who sailed, including the navy and traders, and is attested throughout the Mediterranean, from the Archaic to the Hellenistic periods.Further, the texts examined here reveal a metaphorical link between Aphrodite’s role as patron of navigation and her role as a goddess of sexuality. |
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| Contains: | Enthalten in: Kernos
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.4000/kernos.1567 |