Aphrodite: Herrin des Krieges, Göttin der Liebe

This book gives a broad and fascinating look at the many sides of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. While she is most commonly known as the goddess of love and beauty, the text shows how her identity was also linked to war, power, fertility, and even political roles. It starts by explaining her part in the famous myth of the Trojan War and then dives into how her worship evolved—from early connections with Eastern goddesses like Ishtar, to her strong presence in Cyprus, and eventually throughout the Greek and Roman world. The book also discusses how Aphrodite’s image changed over time in literature and art, and how she was sometimes portrayed in more controversial roles, like being linked to temple prostitution or acting as a protector of sailors and new brides. Overall, it’s a great resource for understanding how one goddess could represent so many different ideas across time and cultures.