ORIGIN: Palestinian and Philistine [Israel, Lebanon]
TYPE: Fertility Goddess
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP: Circa 1200 BCE or earlier until circa 200 BCE
SYNONYMS: Astaroth
CENTER(S) OF CULT: Palestine coastal region including Jerusalem
ART REFERENCES: Various sculptures
LITERARY SOURCES:Inscriptions, Vetus Testamentum
INFORMATION:
Astoreth equates with the Syrian goddess Astarte, both being modeled on the Mesopotamian Istar. She was adopted, typically, as goddess of both love and war. She is usually depicted wearing a horned headdress. Biblical references include I Kings 11:5 and II Kings 23:13. Solomon is said to have built a temple in her honor near Jerusalem. The name is said, by some authors, to be synonymous with Astaroth.