Aphrodite

The Temple of Aphrodite, built in the Ionic order in stages during the Roman period (from 1st century BC to 2nd century AD) and later converted into a Christian basilica, Aphrodisias, Caria, Turkey (20487630885)

Anquises y Afrodita - Afrodisias

Sandro Botticelli - La nascita di Venere - Google Art Project - edited

Atuell en forma d'Afrodita en una petxina, Àtica, necròpolis de Fanagoria, pinínsula de Taman. Primer quart del segle IV aC, ceràmica

Aphrodites Rock

Aphrodite is the ancient Greek goddess associated with love, beauty, pleasure, passion, and procreation. She is one of the twelve Olympian gods and goddesses who reside on Mount Olympus. According to Hesiod's Theogony, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam (aphros) when Cronus cut off Uranus's genitals and threw them into the sea. However, Homer's Iliad suggests a different origin, portraying her as the daughter of Zeus and Dione. This dual origin reflects her role in Greek society, embodying both celestial and earthly aspects of love and beauty.

Aphrodite's major symbols include the myrtle, rose, dove, sparrow, and swan. The planet Venus is named after her Roman counterpart, Venus, due to the planet's brightness and beauty, symbolizing the goddess's association with both celestial and terrestrial spheres.

Mythology and Worship

Aphrodite's mythology is rich with tales of love and desire, as well as revenge and jealousy. Her most famous consort is Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and metalworking, though she had many lovers, both gods and mortals. These include Ares, the god of war, and Adonis, a beautiful mortal youth. Aphrodite's involvement in the Trojan War, particularly her support for Paris and the Trojans, is a key theme in the Iliad. Her relationships often reflect the complex nature of love, ranging from divine and pure to passionate and deceitful.

Worship of Aphrodite was widespread throughout the ancient Greek world, with numerous temples and cults dedicated to her. The city of Paphos on the island of Cyprus was particularly renowned for its worship of Aphrodite, where she was revered as Aphrodite Paphia. Festivals in her honor, such as the Aphrodisia, were celebrated with various rites and ceremonies, emphasizing her role in fertility and the protection of sailors and sea-travel.

Art and Representation

In ancient Greek art, Aphrodite is often depicted as a beautiful, eternally young woman who is either nude or partially clothed, symbolizing her association with beauty and erotic desire. Notable representations of Aphrodite in sculpture include the Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles and the Venus de Milo, which, though Roman, reflects the Greek ideal of beauty. These works have had a lasting impact on Western art, influencing the depiction of female beauty and love.

Legacy

Aphrodite's influence extends beyond ancient religion and mythology into modern culture. Her name and attributes have been adopted in literature, art, and psychology, particularly in discussions of love and sexuality. The term "Aphrodisiac," referring to substances that increase sexual desire, derives from her name, reflecting her association with love and passion.