Aphaea

Greek deity

Also known as: Aphaia

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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Aphaea was an ancient Aeginetan deity, a primitive goddess of the island of Aegina in Greece. She is related to Britomartis, a Cretan goddess often identified with the Greek Artemis.12

Britomartis was described as a daughter of Zeus and a huntress who fled the pursuit of King Minos of Crete. In desperation, she jumped into the sea and was saved by fishermen's nets. For her chastity, she was granted immortality by Artemis and worshipped as Dictynna.2

The Greeks identified Britomartis with Aphaea, whose well-preserved temple on Aegina is renowned for its sculptures.12

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Britomartis
…Greeks also identified her with Aphaea, a primitive local goddess of Aegina whose temple there is famous for its pedimental sculptures.
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…Greeks also identified her with Aphaea, a primitive local goddess of Aegina whose temple there is famous for its pedimental sculptures.
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Aegina
A well-preserved 5th-century-bce temple to Aphaea, the ancient Aeginetan deity related to the Cretan Britomartis (Artemis), is situated on a wooded crest in the east of the island. Its Doric peripheral construction (having columns surrounding the building) of local gray limestone has been partially restored.
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A well-preserved 5th-century-bce temple to Aphaea, the ancient Aeginetan deity related to the Cretan Britomartis (Artemis), is situated on a wooded crest in the east of the island. Its Doric peripheral construction (having columns surrounding the building) of local gray limestone has been partially restored.
Read More