Aphrodite's Island – The Goddess of Cyprus and Her Journey Through Antiquity

Saturday, 21 November 2026 | 3:00 p.m. (Doors open: 2:30 p.m.)Cyprus House, 13 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4LB

Part of Discovering Ancient Cyprus: A Month of Archaeology, Mythology and Cultural Heritage

The Cultural Section of the Cyprus High Commission in London is delighted to present an inspiring afternoon dedicated to the archaeology, mythology and enduring cultural legacy of Aphrodite, the goddess whose story begins on the island of Cyprus.

As part of Discovering Ancient Cyprus: A Month of Archaeology, Mythology and Cultural Heritage, this special event brings together archaeology, classical history and film, inviting audiences to explore how one of the ancient world's most influential deities emerged from Cyprus before captivating the Greek and Roman worlds and continuing to inspire artists, writers and audiences to the present day.

The afternoon will feature a lecture by Dr Anja Ulbrich, A.G. Leventis Curator of the Cypriot Collection at the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, and curator of the internationally acclaimed exhibition Aphrodite: The Making of a Goddess.

Aphrodite's Island – The Goddess of Cyprus and Her Journey Through Antiquity

Greek and Roman authors unanimously celebrated Cyprus as the "Island of Aphrodite"—the place where the goddess first emerged and where she was worshipped as the island's principal deity during the age of the Cypriot city-kingdoms.

Drawing upon archaeology, ancient literature and the latest museum research, Dr Ulbrich will explore Aphrodite's origins in Cyprus before tracing the extraordinary journey of her cult throughout the Greek and Roman worlds. Visitors will discover how the goddess worshipped on Cyprus became Aphrodite to the Greeks, Venus to the Romans, and one of the most recognisable and enduring figures of European civilisation.

The lecture also offers a fascinating introduction to the Ashmolean Museum's landmark exhibition Aphrodite: The Making of a Goddess, which brings together exceptional international loans—including important antiquities from Cyprus—to tell the remarkable story of the goddess from her ancient origins to her continuing influence on European art, culture and identity.

Special Screening – Myths of Cyprus

Following the lecture, audiences will enjoy a 35-minute special screening of selected episodes from the acclaimed Myths of Cyprus series, produced by the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus (PIO).

Created to bring Cyprus's rich mythology and cultural heritage to contemporary audiences, the series combines archaeology, history and cinematic storytelling, transporting viewers to the landscapes where these ancient stories were first imagined.

Directed by Markos Kassinos, with research, writing and presentation by Dr Iosif Hadjikyriacos, Myths of Cyprus explores the myths, traditions and archaeological heritage of the island through visually stunning short films inspired by centuries of storytelling.

This special programme will feature episodes dedicated to Aphrodite, including newly produced material created especially in connection with the Ashmolean Museum exhibition and the Cultural Section's programme of events, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience Cyprus's mythology through both scholarship and film.

Watch one of the episodes from the series here: https://youtu.be/cYLsiCttIY0?si=T_sap_1BWDOYqsMw

The afternoon will conclude with a reception, providing an opportunity for guests to continue the discussion, meet fellow archaeology and history enthusiasts, and celebrate the remarkable cultural heritage of Cyprus.

Programme

2:30 p.m. – Doors Open

3:00 p.m. – Welcome

3:05 p.m. – Lecture by Dr Anja Ulbrich

Approximately 3:45 p.m. – Myths of Cyprus special screening (35 minutes)

Approximately 4:30 p.m. – Reception

5:15 p.m. – Event concludes

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon where archaeology meets mythology, scholarship meets cinema, and discover how the story of a goddess born on the shores of Cyprus travelled across the ancient world, leaving a legacy that continues to shape art, culture and imagination more than two thousand years later. Admission is free, but advance booking is essential.