Adonis seems to be the Greek counterpart — more clearly in cult than in myth — of a Near Eastern dying god. His name is related to the Semitic invocation "adon" (Lord) and appears in other cultures as Dumuzi, Tammuz or Attis. Cybele is rooted in Anatolian culture, and much of Aphrodite's iconography springs from the Semitic goddesses Inanna, Ishtar and Astarte.
Adonis is often considered the Greek counterpart — primarily in religious practices rather than mythological tales — to a Near Eastern deity associated with death. His name shares roots with the Semitic "adon" (Lord) and can be found as Dumuzi, Tammuz or Attis in other cultures. Cybele has her origins in Anatolian culture, while much of Aphrodite's iconography is derived from the Semitic goddesses Inanna, Ishtar and Astarte.