Petra tou Romiou in Winter.  The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, Paphos, Cyprus 2

During ceremonies to honour Aphrodite, a group of women (priestesses) consisting of 50 girls, would carry out important ceremonial duties such as physical contact and the ceremonial baths.  Also included in the group of priestesses were prostitutes as well. The role of the Archpriestess was extremely important as she was said to have imitated the role of Aphrodite herself.  Her most important duty was to carry out the Holy Marriage and her rights of giving to the King and Archpriest the political, military and religious power and authority.

Judging from the myths about Aphrodite and particularly the myth about the Sun’s son Phaethon, who was placed as night guardant at her temple in Paphos, we can assume that young boys were also participating in the ceremonies for the honour of Aphrodite.  Some relevant drawings to this effect have been discovered in Aphrodite Temples.