Sacred prostitution in the Ancient East and its Mediterranean expansion: The case of Gadir and the puellae gaditanae

Abstract

This study analyses the main testimonies known about the practice of sacred prostitution in the Ancient East and in other areas of the Mediterranean. Thus, we propose the possible link between sacred prostitution in the Ancient East and the puellae gaditanae, which could be the evolution of this institution associated with the cult of the goddess Astarte. Through the sources that have been preserved (literary, legal, administrative, archaeological and epigraphic), this possible influence and evolution that resulted in the Cadiz dancers will be seen. Therefore, an analysis of the sources mentioned above is carried out, going as far as the testimonies preserved in the Peninsula until we focus on those referring to Gadir.  In this way, we will be able to assess the flourishing and survival of the residue, already romanised, of this sacred prostitution, as it is known that the port cult of Astarte spread throughout the Mediterranean.