The Battle for Aphrodite

Join us for an online live debate over the origins of Aphrodite, presented by the Chau Chak Wing Museum and the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens.

Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, endures throughout the ages in art, architecture and storytelling - from Homer and Apelles to Botticelli and Bananarama. Across the Mediterranean Aphrodite’s power was all encompassing and her beauty legendary, but who can lay claim to the goddess’ origins?

In antiquity there were conflicting versions of Aphrodite’s birth. She was born in the sea-foam after Kronos castrated Uranus, but did she emerge from the ocean on the shores of Kythera or Cyprus? Both islands constructed important cult sanctuaries to the goddess and have claimed the title ‘Island of Aphrodite.’

To settle this age old conflict, we have invited Dr Lita Tzortzopoulou-Gregory, expert on the archaeology and history of Kythera from the AAIA, and our own Dr Craig Barker, resident Cypriot expert and director of the University’s excavations on the island, to battle it out in an online debate. Both speakers will present aspects of their islands mythological, archaeological and historical connections with the goddess of love and we invite, you to help us determine the victor.

The debate will be moderated by Candace Richards (Chau Chak Wing Museum) and adjudicated by Dr Amelia Brown (The University of Queensland) and our audience will have a chance to cast their vote in this epic battle of history. 

Presented in conjunction with the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens