Aphrodite is one of the most misunderstood goddesses of the ancient world. Far more than a figure of romance or beauty, she emerges in ancient religion as a primordial and deeply political force tied to creation, sovereignty, the sea, fertility, diplomacy, and desire itself. In this workshop, we will move through her sanctuaries, myths, and material culture, with particular attention to artifacts and cult evidence from ancient Macedonia, including Pella, to explore how Aphrodite’s worship functioned within everyday life and sacred space.
 
Together, we will examine some of the most debated questions surrounding her cult, including the long-standing claim that Aphrodite’s priestesses engaged in sacred prostitution or sexual rites within her temples. What do the ancient sources actually say, and how much of this narrative reflects later misunderstanding, fantasy, or moral projection?
 
Through archaeological evidence, inscriptions, statues, votives, and ancient texts, we will explore Aphrodite as a goddess who stood at the intersection of sexuality, power, femininity, protection, and transformation. From her origins in Near Eastern and Mediterranean traditions to her role within Greek religion, this workshop offers a deeper look at a goddess whose presence was as unsettling and powerful as it was beautiful.