S/HE: An International Journal of Goddess Studies V5 N2, 2026

The Dawn Goddess at Akrotiri Possible Hittite Influences at Xeste 3

Andrew M. Pochatko

Abstract Solar goddesses abounded over the European and Near Eastern landscape. Many of these goddesses shared similar traits as a result of syncretism. This paper suggests, through the use of comparative iconography, that Hittite culture influenced the religion of the Akrotiri islanders, who, in turn, incorporated the Hittite sun goddess into their religious rituals. The evidence for this is to be found in the reconstructed fresco, often called the “Goddess of the Wilderness,” found at Xeste 3. Archaeological and linguistic evidence is also offered in support of this thesis.

Keywords Eos, sun goddess, Hittites, Crete, Akrotiri, Thera, Xeste 3, iconography, Goddess of the Wilderness, crocuses, Homer, Iliad

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