Barbara Breitenberger is Assistant Professor in the Department of Classics, University of Cincinnati. Her main interests focus on Greek literature (archaic period), mythology, and religion. She has also written a translation and commentary on fragments of Aristotle's poetic writings.

• Introduction 1. Aphrodite: The Historical Background 1.1. Introduction 1.2. The dating of the Hesiodic and Homeric Poems 1.3. Aphrodite's Origins 1.4. Cultic and Literary Evidence for Aphrodite Oujraniva's Near-Eastern Origins 1.5. The Myth of Aphrodite Oujraniva 1.6. Ishtar-Astarte and Aphrodite in Iconography 1.7. Aphrodite and Doves 1.8. Aphrodite and Dione 1.9. Conclusion 2. Some aspects of Mythmaking and cults of Aphrodite 2.1. Introduction 2.2. Divine Manifestations 2.3. Cultic Features and Epic Narrative 2.4. Aphrodite Pavndhmo in Attic Myth and Cult 2.5. Cults of Aphrodite Pavndhmo and Their Worshippers 2.6. Aphrodite Pavndhmo and the Magistrates 2.7. Aphrodite and Her Companions in Cult 2.8. Myths of Aphrodite and Harmonia 2.9. Conclusion 3. Losing her own game: Aphrodite in the Homeric Hymn 3.1. Introduction 3.2. The Background of the Hymn 3.3. The Mythical Narration: A Love Story 3.4. The Representation of Aphrodite: Adornment-scenes, Epiphanies and Cult Statues 3.5. Conclusion