PAPHOS, the name of two ancient cities of Cyprus which were situated on the S.W. coast of the island. Old Paphos stood on a height about 10 stadia from the shore, and was said to have been founded by Cinyras, the father of Adonis. It was famous throughout the ancient world, and celebrated by the ancient poets on account of its association with the name of Venus. There the goddess is said to have come on shore immediately after she had started into life out of the sea; and there her worship is supposed to have been set up by the Phœnicians. There also were her grave and altar, which are mentioned in the Odyssey; her spacious temple, which is still seen in ruins; and her
image, which was nothing else than a white, twisted, pyramidal stone. About 60 stadia N.W. from Old Paphos was New Paphos (modern Baffa). It stood upon the sea; and was said to have been founded after the destruction of Troy by Agapenor, the leader of the Arcadians. Although, like its more ancient namesake, it was the seat of the worship of Venus, it was best known for its good harbour. It is also notable as the place where Paul struck Elymas the Sorcerer with blindness. (See BAFFA.)