This dissertation was written as part of the MA in the Classical
Archaeology
and the Ancient History of Macedonia at the International Hellenic University.
Th
e
paper discusses the worship of Aphrodite and the clay figurines found in
different positions in the city of Pella. The several types of clay figurines are descri
bed
and an attempt to give an interpretation for their use is made. The study of the
material led to the identification of
eight
types. The objective was to explore the
variations within the different types of the figurines and find parallels of each type
separately. Special focus is attempted on the interaction between the worship of the
goddess and the local community, in a way that Aphrodite played an important role
in the daily religious activities of the city’s population. For example, the mortal ladie
s
of Pella offered themselves to the chthonian deities in order to favour the deceased.
Beyond her chthonic character, Aphrodite was worshipped as Aphrodite Pandemos in
the Sanctuary of Pella. This aspect of Aphrodite is bound up with the commoners of
Pell
a in a sense that the deity unites its people socially and politically. The problem
statement relies on understanding the role of the clay figurines, the presence of which
is traced not only in the homes and sanctuaries, but in the tombs as well. Especiall
y in
the rock
-
cut chamber tombs at Pella figurines were an essential escort in the female
burials.
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