Astarte, << as TAHR tee >>, is the Greek name for one of the most important goddesses of the ancient Middle East. Astarte was worshiped in Syria and Egypt. She was also worshiped in the Phoenician colonies of the western Mediterranean.
The first mention of Astarte appeared about 1430 B.C. in Egyptian records that called her a war goddess. She was also a goddess of sexual love. The Greeks later identified her with Aphrodite, their goddess of love. Astarte was also related to the important Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar. An Egyptian myth about Astarte was found in a papyrus fragment that dates from approximately 1300 B.C. In this myth, Astarte apparently convinced the Sea not to impose tribute (forced payments) on the deities of Egypt. The deities rewarded Astarte by accepting her into their circle.
In the Old Testament, Astarte is called “Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians” and Ashtaroth, the plural form of the name, is used with the meaning “pagan goddesses.” Small clay figurines of nude females excavated in Palestine are often considered representations of Astarte.
