Title: Transformation of a goddess : Ishtar, Astarte, Aphrodite /
Authors: Sugimoto, David T., 1958-
Year: 2014
Subjects: Ishtar; Astarte; Aphrodite; Goddesses Comparative studies.; Middle East Religion.; Greece Religion.
Abstract: This book deals with the changing nature of the goddess Ishtar/Astarte/Aphrodite, who was widely revered in the ancient West Asia and the Mediterranean world and was known by different names. Although the three names are often closely related, their mutual relation has not yet been sufficiently clarified. They appear with different characters and attributes in various areas and periods. ... In this volume, specialists on different areas and periods discuss the theme from various perspectives, allowing a new and broader understanding of the goddess(es) concerned. The areas covered range from Mesopotamia to the Levant, Egypt and the Mediterranean world, the periods embraced from the third millenium BCE to the Hellenistic age. The volume is the fruit of an international conference held in Tokyo in 2011. Drawing on discussions at the conference, each article was completely rewritten.
Contents: Ištar and other goddesses of the so-called "sacred marriage" in ancient Mesopotamia -- "In the shadow of thy wings": a review of the Winged Goddess in ancient Near Eastern iconography -- ʻAthtart in late Bronze Age Syrian texts -- "Revisitng" Astarte in the iconogrphy of the Bronze Age Levant -- Astarte in New Kingdom Egypt: reconsideration of her role and function -- Astarte in the Bible and her relation to Asherah -- The Judean pillar figurines and the "Queen of Heaven" -- Archaeological and inscriptional evidence for Phoenician Astarte -- Before Kypris was Aphrodite.