Greek Gods and Goddesses in Cyprus

Most Greek Gods and Goddesses tales and legends are confined to Greece, but due to the ancient Hellenic and Roman rule in Cyprus, some famous figures were also worshipped in Cyprus and their legacy is still visible in the ruins on the island today.

Some gods and goddesses, such as Aphrodite and Apollo Hylates, are exclusively Cypriot, as seen in this ancient pledge of allegiance to Rome: “By our Aphrodite of the mountains, by our mistress, by our Apollo Hylates, by our Apollo of Kyrenia... by all the gods of Cyprus together with the council, the gods and goddesses of our fathers who belong to this island, the birthplace of Aphrodite...”

Many people get confused by the different names of Greek and Roman Gods, but just remember they are the same figures. For example, Ares is Mars and Aphrodite is Venus. The Greek mythology family tree also still remains the same in Cyprus – Apollo is still the son of Zeus and Cupid is the son of Aprodite.

As you can see in our article here, Persephone, Hades and Aphrodite and Adonis play a huge part in the mythology and folklore of Cyprus. But what other Greek gods have had an impact on the island’s history, and what role do they play in the lives of Cypriots today?

History of Greek Gods and Goddesses in Cyprus

The Greek God Apollo was worshipped as Apollo Hylates God of the Forests in Cyprus. Apollo Hylates was a god unique to Cyprus. The Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates at Kourion was destroyed in an earthquake, but has since been partly restored. The entrance fee to see the sanctuary today is only €1.70. The better known Apollo the Greek God of the Sun is also believed to have had an impact on Cyprus history and to have been merged with Apollo Hylates.

At certain archaeological sites in Cyprus bull masks made from real bull skulls have been found, along with bull masked terracotta figures and stone altars with bull horns. All of these are believed to have been in dedication to the Greek Goddess Hera, who at one time was associated with cattle and known as the ‘Cow Goddess’.

Many Greek gods and goddesses were associated with sacrifices in ancient times. At the ruins of the ancient city of Salamis, located in Famagusta in North Cyprus, evidence has been found of human sacrifices made to Athena the Greek Goddess by cults. Not for the faint hearted sure, but don’t worry, you won’t see anything of this nature when you visit the ruins!

Visiting Salamis is actually a very relaxing way to spend time in Cyprus. A temple dedicated to Zeus Greek God of the Sky and of thunder has also been found at Salamis. It is believed to have been built by the Romans and for a long time ceremonies at Salamis were focused around the worship of Zeus, the king of the Gods.

The presence of Greek Gods and Goddesses in Cyprus Today

Cypriots are more likely to be names after Greek Goddesses than Gods, and some of the more common Greek Goddess names you may come across in Cyprus include Artemis and Athena.

Sometimes you may also hear names that have come from Aphrodite, like Avroulla. The names of Greek Gods seem to be more sacred, and you will never hear of a Cypriot man named Zeus!

Of course, many souvenirs for tourists in Cyprus feature Greek Gods and Goddesses. However, Aphrodite is held in higher regard and featured much more prominently as she is considered to be a Cypriot Goddess. As well as visiting the Aphrodite attractions in Paphos, you will have no problem finding Aphrodite silhouettes on souvenirs across the south.

Aphrodite has become a symbol of Cyprus to Greek Cypriots, who are very proud of the goddess. Her name and image is widely used in all types of businesses and in December 2010, the interior ministry caused controversy by placing a completely naked picture of Aphrodite on the new Cypriot passports!

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