Pilgrims view the women of the island of Venus
Part of : Balkan studies : biannual publication of the Institute for Balkan Studies ; Vol.30, No.2, 1989, pages 213-220
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213-220
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Articles
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Pilgrimages from Latin Europe were very much in vogue during the 14thand 15th centuries. Cyprus was very much on their route; by that time it hadbecome a great international emporium. Few knew the Greek language spokenthere, although nearly all would have known the language of its new rulers,the Crusading Lusignans.Many of the sober Latin pilgrims were already wary of Greek Orthodoxy,the religion of most Cypriots. Even more abominable for many was the island’sassociation as the home of the lascivious religion of Aphrodite (Venus), whosebirthplace and chief shrine were found there. Many of the pilgrims weresimple and credulous, although some were intelligent and even curious. Many copied part or all of what had been reported by earlier pilgrims.
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Κύπρος
