Pisces Constellation between Atargatis and Aphrodite "The Symbolism of Transformation and the Religious-Mythological Interaction between Syria and Greece

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Lecturer, Department of Ancient European Civilizations and Languages, Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University, Egypt

Abstract

This research aims to focus on the role of the Syrian goddess Atargatis (Αταργάτις) as a religious and cultural bridge between the Syrian and Greek civilizations, with particular emphasis on her influence on Greek religion during the Hellenistic period.
The study explores the origins of Atargatis and her role in ancient Syrian mythology, as well as the spread of her cult in cities such as Hierapolis (Ἱεράπολις) (modern-day Manbij, Βαμβύκη) and Ascalon (Ἀσκάλων) in Palestine (Παλαιστίνη). It also analyzes the parallels between Atargatis and Greek goddesses such as Aphrodite (Αφροδίτη), Rhea (Ῥέα), and Demeter (Δήμητρα).
 Furthermore, the research examines how her cult was transmitted to the Greek world following the conquests of Alexander the Great (Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Μέγας), and its impact on Greek religious rituals and art, drawing on the writings of Greek historians.
The study also highlights the symbolic connection between Atargatis and Aphrodite, as well as their associations with water, fish, and mythological transformations—especially in the context of Greek star myths. Particular attention is given to the Pisces constellation (Ἰχθύες, Pisces), which is believed to have been influenced by Eastern elements, including mythical symbols related to Atargatis.
 This symbolic and astronomical convergence reflects a deep-rooted cultural and mythological exchange between Syrian and Greek beliefs, pointing to the Eastern influence on Greek celestial mythology. The research further sheds light on how these symbols and transformations were integrated into Greek religious and cultural traditions, underscoring the enduring impact of this symbolic heritage on religious and artistic conceptions throughout the ages.

Keywords

References

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