A lovely substantial Persian stoneware bowl, late 12th or 13th century AD

Stoneware under an opaque turquoise and cobalt glaze with floral design and markings in black. Wonderful 'grazing' of the glaze and with irriscence.

Diameter: 21,52 cm. and 10,2 cm. tall.

Condition: Near Extremely fine for type, completely intact with small area of touched up glaze on the back. No repairs and exceptional gloss and patina.

Ex...

A wonderful matching set of three Mace Heads of the rare claw-shaped type, Bactria, 2nd. millenium BC.

Bactrian bronze egg-shaped mace-heads with spiked sleeves or prongs, Late 2nd Millennium BC. The top of the weapons with narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting them to a shaft.

Size: Max 6,2 cm. wide and 7,1 cm. high...

Bottle with a long stretched neck harmoniously twisted in the shape of a swan's neck. The glassmaker shaped his work with gadroons, a painter decorated it with golden flowers. This type of object was a teardrop intended to receive the tears of ladies when their husbands went to war. The almond shape of the edge adapts perfectly to the eye. These vases were made from the 18th century and throughout the 19th. especially in 1900. Copies are probably still made...

Terracotta bowl enamelled with coper green and manganese yellow ocher on a cream ground, incised decoration of scrolls and stylized flowers. Persia around the year 900 Nichapur kilns. Diameter 27cm. Broken and glued. On the back an English collection label. The style is inspired by Chinese ceramics of the Tang dynasty

A better Assyrian cylinder seal, Middle Kingdom, c. 1400-1100 BC.

Carved and polished in a beautiful glossy dark green stone and finely engraved with an interesting scene, which looks like mating between two odd animals, the male jumping and the female horned. Above the star symbols of Ashur and crescent Nanna/Sin...

Rare centaur-like creature with a male torso merged to an equid body.
The bearded man is holding a pile of dishes with his right hand and a phial (?) with the left.
His head was taken from a mold and shows good detail to the beard and face...

Lovely bronze battle axe, Ancient Near East, c. 2nd. millenium BC.

Finely made battle axe with a long enforced and narrow blade with a ridge at the top and an elaborately made socket in a zoomorphic shape with a broad decorated backplate.

Size: 126 mm. long and 94 mm. tall.

Condition: Choice Extremely fine, with a lovely deep redish patina with a dusting of green and earthern highlights.

Ex...

A superb bronze battle adze-axe, South Caspian Sea type (Eastern region), early 2nd. millenium BC.

An elaborate type with a very sharp depiction of a Human Eye on each side of the rilled socket. Long slender adze and axe blades with wider edges. Rare and exceptional so nice!

Size: c. 14 cm. long.

Condition: Extremely fine, a gem of an axe with lovely red and green patina.

Ex. Private Collection in Denmark, aquired in the 1990s.

A rare and very impressive presentation quality axe, probably for a chieftain or the like, Indo-European or Indo-Eurasians of the Caspian steppes, c. 2nd. millenium BC.

Attractive with a very long slender blade and a great balance.

Size: 22 cm. long, which makes it one of the largest ancient bronze axes we've handled ever.

Condition: Very fine, hairline repair to the socket, fine purple and green patina with uncleaned earthern encrustations.

Ex...

A very rare massive bronze mace head, Neo-Assyrian Empire, c. 9th.-8th. cent. BC.

More massive in construction than the typical 2nd.-1st...

A high quality cylinder seal carved in a hard pinkish stone, Neo-Assyrian Empire of the early 1st. mill. BC.

The seal is carved with the Great King and his High Priest on either side as worshippers of the alter and winged emblem of Assur, the Assyrian Sun god. Behind them symbols of the Sun and the Moon.

Size: c 25 mm. tall.

Condition: Nice Very fine, light wear to the lower edge but extremely sharp and with a lovely colour.

Provenance: The Karl Mül...

A superb and large specimen of an Old Elamite / Mespotamian type of bronze battle axe, c. early 2nd. mill. BC.

The axe well-modelled, the blade flares outward in a spectacular curve, its edge delineated as a thinner border. Thick socket with two spikes on the back and decorated with concenthric rings. The socket looks like the open mouth of a beast when viewed horisontically.

Size: c. 115 mm. wide and c. 88 mm. tall. The blade is c 80 mm. broad!

Condition: Near...

A massive and superbly preserved bronze mace head decorated with faceted knobs around the swollen head and flanked by grooved bands on a tubular shaft, later bronzeage, ca. 1200-800 BC.

Size: Unusually large for type - 14,5 cm. tall and 7,5-8 cm. wide! Weight: 660 grams.

Condition: Intact and very attractine with a wonderful red and green patina.

Ex. Danish Collection of ancient weapons, bought at the Danish Antiquities market in the 1980-90s.

A large 'Luristani' bronze battle adze, South Caspian Sea type (Eastern region), 2nd. millenium BC.

An elaborate type with a long slender adze blade tappering to a wider bit. Enforced rilled socket with openwork spikes. Terrific lines and symethri and a large size, combined with the fine enamel patina, makes this an exceptional specimen.

Size: c. 16 cm. long and c. 5 cm. tall.

Condition: Extremely fine, a gem of an axe with enamel-like glossy dark green patina. ...

A terrific oversized bronze figural Bell, Luristan, c. 1200-800 BC.

The bronze Goat with exceptionally long curving horns and forelegs and with it's body evolving into a large openwork bell. Probably once with a small loop at the end, now lost.

Size: 13,6 cm. long and 9 cm. tall. A high unusual size for these which are normally quite small.

Condition: Near Extremely fine, but for the lost loop finial. Lovely dark green patina with earthern encrustations.

A lovely untouched and intact massive terracotta jar, Indus valley / Amri-Nal culture, c. 3rd. millenium BC.

A very high quality jar with painted bulls on either side of a fancy tree and a band of Ibexes at the top.

Size: 128 mm. tall and 122 mm. wide, nice thick walls.

Condition: Extremely fine for type, intact with fully preserved glazed decoration.

Ex. Old Danish private Collection, aquired in the 1990s at Copenhagen dealer, comes with COA.

A good style seal carved slightly concave in a hemaetite stone, first Babylonian dynasty, (Amorite), 1894–1595 BC.

A bearded God with scimitar, stands before Shamash, with another lesser deity behind raising her hands in supplication; A sun disc set in a crescent in the fields as a symbol of the gods of the Moon and Sun.

Reff. See Mrs William H. Moore Collection #56 for a similar depiction, inscribed for Shamash.

Size: 25 mm. tall and 11 mm. thick.

...

A very rare tall Mesopotamian cylinder seal made in a fine shell type of material, Djemdet Nasr / early Dynastic cylinder seal with wavy line decor. About 3000 - 2750 BC.

A very attractive seal decorated in low relief with a sort of brocade pattern; our clay did stick a bit, so it would be possible to make a better imprint of this.

Size: 39 mm tall!

Condition: Good Very fine.

This seal comes with hard impression and original ID-card from below collec...

Nicely modeled bronze figure of a horse with elongated body, stiff legs and long tail.
The head shows a flattened muzzle with incised mouth, domed eyes and alert ears.
The tail with hatched incisions. Suspension loop at the base of the neck.
Bronze
Luristan, 8th-7th century BC
L. 6.7 cm (2.6 in)
H. 3.8 cm (1.5 in)
Intact and fine. Nice patina with soil deposits.
Ex collection of William Ashby.

The authenticity of the object is...

A rare and massive octagonal Islamic tile in Blue & White ceramic material, probably stone-past, imitating Ming Dynasty, Near East, c. 15th.cent. AD

A huge tile with fine style floral decoration in blue and white. Unfortunately missing a bit and put together from three large pieces. The tile is measuring 26,5 cm. x 26 cm. so each of the pieces is basically as large as most tiles are!

Size: 26,5 x 26 cm. and 2,5 cm. thick.

Ex. Swedish private Collection, aquired...

Important collection of 11 stone axes and tools, Egyptian, 4th. millenium BC.

A selection of different tools in Basalt, Jasper, Gneist and perhaps Jadeite, mainly small axe shapes for grinding spices and cosmetics. Lot also include a wonderful fully polished fragment of a cosmetic palette.

A gem collection with some beautiful colours!

Sizes: 2,3 - 4,3 cm.

Condition: Mostly intact with a few with smaller nicks.

Ex Collection of Karl Jakob M�...

Gandhara stone panel with the Buddha and an attendant in the lower frame. The partially preserved Buddha is seated on a pedestal in the dhyana mudhra gesture. He is dressed in Gandharan style and showing a wavy hairstyle topped with the raised ushnisha.
On the left a man in daring contrapposto and exaggeratedly turned upper body. The attendant is wearing a long garment and holding what could be a tambourine or an offering.
The top adorned with an acanthus leaf design and a semicirc...

PERSIAN BRONZE TORQUE
NEAR-EASTERN, 800 - 600 BC

Heavy solid bronze torque of thick rounded form, the terminals tapering to a curve point

Dimensions:
Diameter: 16 cm
Height on stand: 20 cm

Condition: Left tip of terminal is missing in antiquity otherwise intact and enjoys a beautiful patina

Nicely mounted on an acrylic "Plexi-glass"display stand of high quality

ALL ITEMS THAT WE OFFER FOR SALE COME WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
# 82847

This is a finely engraved haematite cylinder seal. The seal is engraved with the sun-god Shamash, his foot resting on a small mountain, carrying the saw-weapon in his right hand, a worshipper approaches, wearing a fringed rope.
A suppliant goddess stands behind the sun-god Shamash, wearing a flounced robe, her hands raised in adoration.
Between them a ball-staff and vessel. Space for column of inscription. The Seal comes with the stand which
the former owner made (see last...

A very attractive and rare bluish glazed stone seal, Middle Assyrian, later 2nd. millenium BC.

The seal is carved with a detailed depiction of the King hunting a winged Griffin from behind with a bow, another hunter shooting from the front, Bird flying above and between them.

Size: 36 mm. tall and 13 mm. wide.

Condition: Good very fine, minor chipping to the glaze at the edge but intact!

Provenance: The Karl Müller collection, Germany 1950-1977. Come...

A really nice and detailed core style cylinder seal, of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, 9th.-7th. cent BC.

The seal depicts the king in a running 'Persian' stance, spearing an Ibex with a short spear or arrow, while holding a sicle-sword in the other hand. A quiver on his back and the star symbol of the Sungod over the Three Of Life.

Size: 21 mm. tall and 8-9 mm. wide.

Condition: About Extremely fine.

Provenance: The Karl Müller collection, Germany 1950-197...

A finely carved late- to Neo-Assyrian black stone cylinder seal, depicting running animal in a superb style and very high relief, above is star and crescent, mid-to late Assyrian.

Size: 25 mm. tall and 12 mm. wide.

Condition: Near extremely fine and glossy, the cracks in the imprint depicted, are not in the seal!

Provenance: The Karl Müller collection, Germany 1950-1977. Comes with COA and his hard imprint.

One of the largest tablet or brick seals, we've ever offered. Bifacial tablet seals can normally be dated to around the 3rd. millenium BC. This is so delicately carved that it could be made somewhat later in the 2nd. mill. BC.

The black serpentine seal depicts a large Bee, filling the whole of the seal, and on the other side a Scorpion. Particularly, the Bee is masterfully engraved, so that even tiny details and textures of the bee can be seen. Absolutely stunning.

Size: 5...

A lovely and very impressive pottery bowl with caligraphy, Islamic Samenid Dynasty, ca. 9th.-10th. century.

A conical bowl wide and tall and decorated with superb style caligraphy in black on white glaze.

Size: 28 cm. wide and 10 cm. tall.

Condition: Choice for this rare type and large size. Restored from only a few larger fragments repainted in the joint-areas, perhaps some strengthening, but much original crackled glaze. See the closeups for the condition of th...

Ancient Scythians bronze fibula in the shape of a deer 6th-4th century BC

DETAILS: Openwork bronze depicting a seated deer with slender body, large head and antlers, and pronounced musculature; the legs folded beneath the body; the head regardant, resting on the hind quarters; the facial features stylised, with a large, round eye; the reverse with it’s the original clasp for attachment.

REFERENCES: 1) The Golden Deer of Eurasia Scythian and Sarmatian Treasures from th...

Rhyton with a cylindrical shape progressively widening toward its top to give an overall conical aspect. The rython is decorated with two feminine deities figures in relief on both sides, wearing horns and having a posture similar to the one of Osiris statues. The body of the rhyton itself is decorated with superimposed geometric designs in slight relief. The piece is made of bronze, with an encrusted green patina. Mesopotamia, probably Bronze Age, ca. 3000 to 1500 B.C. Height: 11.5 cm. Strong s...

This ancient artifact is a stunning bronze spearhead with a double-edged blade that tapers to a sharp point, perfect for penetrating armor or fending off enemies. It features a flattened central rib that runs down the blade's center and extends into a rectangular tang, providing a secure grip for its wielder.

This remarkable piece dates back to the 14th-10th century B.C. and was found in the Caspian Sea area of Amlash. Its intricate design and impeccable craftsmanship are a testament to the...

A massive and rare excarvated bronze vessel, likely for the storage of liquids, Byzantine, 6th.-9th. century AD.

Horisontically ribbed body and carinated vertically ribbed shoulder with funnel mouth.

Made in solid metal in a fine vase-like shape, with holes for attaching it to chains. A utility vessel, used for containing foods or liquids.

Size: 34-35 cm. wide and around 35,5 cm. tall, weight 4,2 kilograms - a HUGE piece for this early vessel!

Condit...

Funeral statuette composed of two separate parts: a head made of limestone, a formal robe made of chlorite adorned with a necklace and two tigers in relief on the sides. This type of statuette is commonly called "Bactrian princess" among specialists, and dates back from the mid third to the early second millenium BC. Such funeral objects seem to have played an important role in the funerals of elites of the Margiana and maybe the Bactrian courts as well. Height: 6.5 cm. Width: 4 cm. Depth: 3.4 ...

Dating: Mid-19th Century Provenance: Ottoman Empire, Turkey Circular, convex, iron shield provided with four studs with star-shaped base; the surface decorated with silver floral and geometrical motifs. At the inside four suspension rings, two of them with leather handle. Dimensions: Diameter 34.5 cm. No condition issues.

An interesting and nicely preserved cylinder seal in brown stone, Neo-Babylonian, 8th.-7th. century BC.

An iconographic scene of the Great Babylonian King and a high priest, both bearded and wearing long dresses, on either side of the alter of the Moon god Sin, probably in the version of local patron Nabu. Behind them in the field, we see the typical Neobabylonian temple or alter structures and above a Sun symbol.

Size: 22 mm. tall and 11 mm. wide.

Condition: G...

Wonderful quality cast bronze whetstone handle. Luristan culture, 9th-7th century BC. A large handle measuring c. 12 cm. in length. A cast bronze implement handle with rounded socket to hold a whetstone for sharpening knifes and swords.

In the form of a three-dimensional crouching ibex with long horns curling over its back. The animal is fully rendered with limbs curled under its body and careful attention paid to the details of head and horns. Handle pierced for attachment of wh...

An exceptionally larger and thus rare pottery bowl with torquoise glaze, and a finely decorated pattern in black on the interior. Seljug period, 11th.-12th. century.

With silvery iridescence on the surface of both the interior and the exterior. Very beautiful colours. The patina and fine glass-like gloss is difficult to grasp in our pictures but is very visible in hand.

Size: 21-22 cm. in diameter and 10,5 cm. tall.

Condition: Superb for type. Intact and unrest...

A beautifully carved sculpture of a lady in an erotic pose, Gandharan, ca. 1st.-5th. century AD.

Clearly inspired by classical greek and roman art. She is holding her longs strands of hair and wearing garments that exposes her naked shoulder and arm. Archictorial piece, impresive size. Some remnants of pinkish pigments still on the surface. Mounted to a metal base.

Size: ca. 32-33 cm. tall and 20,5 cm. wide.

Ex. Pax Romana Gallery, London. From an Oxfordshire Co...

Authentic ancient Luristan, Babylonian type bronze sword circa 1200 -1000 BC. A flanged hilt and blade finely cast in one piece. A very fine example of an authentic Ancient Luristan bronze dagger, of elegant form, from the Bronze Age circa 1200 -1000 BC. A tapering double-edged blade, a shaped hilt with an elliptical pommel, hollowed on each face for a pair of grip-scales. In the period when the sword was used, the handle would have had a bone or wooden insert, but these never survive three thou...

An ancient Jemdet Nasr cylinder seal from the famous Erlenmeyer collection.
This is a typical Jemdet Nasr cylinder seal of the "seated women“ or „pigtailed“ group and are often made of red or pinkish limestone. The amulet was bought from Galerie Günter Puhze and will come with their CoA.

For comparable ones see:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 62.70.74
British Museum, BM/Big number: 89355 or 129598

Date: Late Uruk - Jemdet Nasr, ca. 3300 - 2900 B....

An important extra large bronze humped bull sculpture, Amlash circa 1000-800 B.C.

A very attractive bronze bull, standing on it's stout legs and with a oversize hump and pierced through the body. Highly unusual this detailed and in the impressive size!

Size: 84 mm. long and 63 mm. tall.

Condition: Superb for type, with very nice metal and great mottled green patina.

Ex Bavarian private collection, Germany between 1974-2015.

Gandharan Kushan Period 2-3c Stucco Buddha head fragment from a Buddhist temple , slight traced of color remain. Size H 4" W 2.5" D 2.75" unmounted.

Am interesting ready made collection of 18 pottery oil lamps around c. 4th - 7th century AD.

Collection of Late Antiquity clay lamps. Eastern Mediterranean and biblical! Among them a scarce and beautiful frog lamp (length 8,7cm). 19 pieces!

Condition: F-VF, Weathered and with some smaller missing fragments, overall well preserved.

Ex. 1970-1980s collection.

A substantial and attractive vessel in pinkish travertine with fine inclusions, Uruk/Jemdet Nasr - Early Dynastic, 3300-2700 BC.

The bulbous vessel with a finely polished exterior and with a broad flat rim.

The stone used is a rare pinkish travertine with fosil remains and lighter cream inclusions, large areas of dark deposts and patina.

Size: 11,5 x 9,5 cm. A substantial and heavy stone vessel for the period!

Condition: Good Very fine and intact with ...

A large and attractive stone jar, Mesopotamia, Sumer c. 2800-2400 BC.

With the finely concave walls, similar to a jar found in the Royal tombs of Queen Puabi, 2600-2450 BC and jars from Jiroft in this period, dates this jar to the Sumerian period.

The stone used is a rare and very lovely pink calcite, some of the colour probably patina. the stone is banded in clear bands and semi-transperant when lighted. With cream inclusions.

Size:13,8 cm. wide and 9,6 cm. tall, ...

Here we have an incredible example of an ancient iron sword from Northern Iran, possibly Amlash, circa 900 BCE. It has a saddle-shaped pommel with extensive geometric decor on the hilt. The iron blade, though deteriorated, is still intact. The slender and elegant weapon has survived millennia just to be in your collection. There is a crack near the guard area visible in the photos. This fragile and beautiful piece measures 60.5 cm in length in its current condition. There are no visible repairs ...

Authentic ancient Luristan Babylonian Type bronze Sword circa 1200 -1000 BC. A flanged hilt and blade finely cast in one piece. A very fine example of an authentic Ancient Luristan bronze dagger, of elegant form, from the Bronze Age circa 1200 -1000 BC. A tapering double-edged blade, a shaped hilt with an elliptical pommel, hollowed on each face for a pair of grip-scales. In the period when the sword was used, the handle would have had a bone or wooden insert, but these never survive three thous...

Authentic ancient Luristan ancient Luristan Babylonian-type bronze sword made between 1200-1000 BC. It has a flanged hilt, and the blade is finely cast in one piece. This is an excellent example of an authentic ancient Luristan bronze dagger with an elegant form from the Bronze Age, dating back to 1200-1000 BC.

A tapering double-edged blade, a shaped hilt with an elliptical pommel, hollowed on each face for a pair of grip scales. Back in the day when this sword was in use, the handle would ...

A superb and exceptionally large pottery bowl with torquoise glaze, black markings and a finely decorated pattern on the interior. Seljug period, 11th.-12th. centuries, Near East.

The finest bowl we've seen of the type. With silvery iridescence on the surface of both the interior and the exterior. Very beautiful colours. The patina and fine glass like gloss is difficult to grasp in our pictures but is very visible in hand.

Size: 23,7 cm. in diameter and 11 cm. tall.

Early Bronze Age jug of piriform body, narrow neck and beaked spout. The handle is parted at the join to the belly and decorated with diagonal fluting – to render a twisted feature.
With a Thermoluminescent Report from Oxford University dated December 1976.
Ceramic
Anatolian, Yortan Culture, 2700-2500 BC
H. 16 cm (6.3 in)
Small section of the spout’s upper edge restored. Otherwise intact and of choice condition. Root marks and soil deposits.
Ex Swiss...

ANCIENT CLAY PLAQUE
MESOPOTAMIA, OLD BABYLONIAN PERIOD, 2040 - 1750 BC

This baked clay plaque with relief decoration representing a seated ruler on his throne infront of a large palm branch

Baked clay plaques were mass-produced in southern Mesopotamia from the second millennium BC. They show informal scenes and reflect the private face of life. Though their exact purpose is not clear, they may have had magical or religious significance

Measurements:
Heigh: 10.5 c...

A massive ceramic dish with caligraphy very rare for this exceptional size, Samenid Dynasty, 9th.-10th. century AD.

Nice quality for the type with fine black cufic caligraphy on a cream-white ground.

Size: 34 cm. in diameter! Among the largest dishes we've handled.

Condition: Good very fine, very intact for the large size! Intact but for a restored break at the side. Very large part of the original crackled glaze preserved. Some antique wear to glaze. See the clo...

POTTERY FIGURE OF ASTARTE "FERTILITY GODDESS"
ANCIENT PERSIA, LURESTAN REGION, C. 1200 – 700 BC

Measurements:
Height: 16 cm
Width: 9 cm
Height on stand: 18.5 cm
Nicely mounted on a plexi-glass custom made display stand

Condition: Good condition as shown

ALL ITEMS THAT WE OFFER FOR SALE COME WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

A beautiful ceramic dish with caligraphy, Nishapur or Samarkand, Samenid Dynasty, Western Asia 9th.-10th. century AD.

Lovely quality for the type with artful black and red caligraphy on a cream-white ground.

Size: 29 cm. in diameter.

Condition: Extremely fine, superb for this rare type and large size. Restored from a very few larger fragments with a very large part of original crackled glaze. See the closeups for the condition of the glaze.

Provenance:...

A lovely Epigraphic pottery bowl with fine style Cufic caligraphy, Islamic Samenid Dynasty, ca. 9th.-10th. century.

A massive conical bowl both wide and tall and decorated with wonderful caligraphy in black on white glaze.

Size: Near 32 cm. wide and 12 cm. tall.

Condition: Extremely fine for this rare type and large size. Restored from few larger fragments, some repainted in the joint-areas, perhaps some strengthening, but very good original crackled glaze. See t...

This week I am posting several Bronze Age weapons from the Middle East including a set of 5, very unique, crescent-hilt daggers from the Marlik culture (circa 1000 BC). These all came from the same private collection. For a nearly identical example see "Arms and Armor from Iran" by Manoucher Khorasani p 50 figure 1 and page 53. This specimen appears to have been cleaned partially so I have included a 35X micrograph of an area of the surface showing crystallization common on ancient bronze. The ...

This type of bronze weapon is generally designated as a short sword. It has a substantial midrib with tapering edges. The edges are concave in the upper part and gracefully draw into spikes or wings that extend around either side of the tang. Weapons of this type are found in Northwestern Iran and most likely date to around the 9th century BC. “Weapons of this type [are] widely represented in the Ghaletenti I cemetery in Dailiman.” (“Arms and Armor from Iran” by Manouchehr M. Khorasani,...

Head of the Buddha shown with solemn expression. The refined facial features with arched eyebrows over heavy lidded eyes and a sensitively modeled mouth with purse lips. The half open eyes with their barely indicated irises confer the head a meditative gaze. The hair is delicately textured with a central bun (usnisha) on top. The idealized style is reminiscent of Greek Hellenistic sculpture which lived on among Gandharan artists. Stucco. Gandhara, 3rd/4th century AD. H. 7.7 cm (3 in), H. w...

CLAY FIGURE OF A STANDING ASTARTE “FERTILITY GODDESS”
Mesopotamia, Old Babylonian; 1800 BC

Dimensions:
Height: 12.5 cm
Width: 3.5 cm
Height on stand: 14.5 cm

Ishtar (Akkadian), Astarte (Phoenician), or Inanna (Sumerian) was the most important female deity in Mesopotamia through the second millennium BC. She was identified with the planet Venus, and the sunrise. She was the goddess of both sexual love and warfare. The Greeks identified her with Aphrodite.