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FOLIA PHOENICIA

Abstract

The archaeological investigations conducted in the Mediterranean have al- lowed the identification of many shrines dedicated to the Phoenician god- dess Astarte, that – as in the case of the Greek Era – has the possible function of protecting the settlers. Compared to other Phoenician sanctuaries identi- fied in the Mediterranean, the Astarte’s sanctuary of Malta (‘ŠTRT ’NN) from the early research has provided much pottery with inscriptions dedicat- ed to Astarte in Phoenician language, specifying the ritual dedicated to the deity. The largest number of the inscription has not always correctly identi- fied, only in a limited number of finds, especially cooking pot, have the com- plete inscription dedicated to the Phoenician goddess.