A complete dictionary of the Greek and Roman antiquities explaining the obscure places in classic authors and ancient historians relating to the religion, mythology, history, geography and chronology of the ancient Greeks and Romans, their ... rites and customs, laws, polity, arts and engines of war : also an account of their navigations, arts and sciences and the inventors of them : with the lives and opinions of their philosophers / compiled originally in French ... by Monsieur Danet ; made English, with the addition of very useful mapps.

ADONIA SACRA,

the Mysteries and Sacrifices of Adonis, which were celebrated every year at Byblis, in the great Temple of Venus: for in this Country, says Lucian, in his Dea Syria, he was kill'd by a Boar, and in me∣mory of this Misfortune every year a publick Mourning was observed, at which the People beat themselves, and lamented, (and celebrate his Funerals as if he had been dead, tho on the next day his Resurrection was solemnized, because, they say he flew into Heaven,) they shave their Heads as the Egyptians do at the death of their Ox Apis. The Women, who will not be shav'd, are forc'd to prostitute themselves a whole day to Strangers, and the Money they get by that Debauch is consecrated to the Goddess. There is also another won∣derful thing in this Country, a River, which goes by the Name of Adonis and descends from Libanus into the Sea, changes its colour at cer∣tain times, and dyes the Sea as red as Blood; which is look'd upon as a Miracle, this being the time which is dedicated to the Celebration of the Mysteries of Adonis, because 'tis believ'd that then he was wounded in the Forest of Li∣bamus.