Pilgrims view the women of the island of Venus
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Abstract
Pilgrimages from Latin Europe were very much in vogue during the 14th
and 15th centuries. Cyprus was very much on their route; by that time it had
become a great international emporium. Few knew the Greek language spoken
there, 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’s association as the home of the lascivious religion of Aphrodite (Venus), whose birthplace and chief shrine were found there. Many of the pilgrims were simple and credulous, although some were intelligent and even curious. Many
copied part or all of what had been reported by earlier pilgrims.
and 15th centuries. Cyprus was very much on their route; by that time it had
become a great international emporium. Few knew the Greek language spoken
there, 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’s association as the home of the lascivious religion of Aphrodite (Venus), whose birthplace and chief shrine were found there. Many of the pilgrims were simple 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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