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Selected and rare materials, excerpts and observations from ancient, medieval and contemporary authors, travelers and researchers about Cyprus.
 
 
 
 
 
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The Sanctuary of Aphrodite

Concerning the castle of Venus from
LUDOLF VON SUCHEN De Terra Sancta, 1336

Near Paphus once stood the castle of Venus, where they were wont to adore an idol of Venus, and came to visit its threshold from distant countries, and all noble lords and ladies and damsels were gathered there. It was there that counsel was first taken for the destruction of Troy, for Helen was taken captive as she journeyed thither. In this temple also all ladies and damsels before their betrothal yielded themselves to men ; for in Cyprus above all lands men are by nature most luxurious. For the soil of Cyprus, and especially where the castle is, if a man sleep thereon, of its own self will all the night through provoke a man to lust.