The Temple of Aphrodite Kytherea was a sanctuary in ancient Kythira dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. It was famous for reportedly being the eldest temple of Aphrodite in Greece.[1] It was dedicated to the goddess under her name and aspect as Aphrodite Ourania and contained a statue of an Armed Aphrodite.[2] The temple is dated to the 6th century BCE. While considered a significant sanctuary, it was described as a small building.
According to Hesiod, Kythira was the first island that Aphrodite passed as she rose from the sea.[3]
Herodotus described it:
Pausanias also said of it: