There was a place called Aphytis in Thrace, where the Amonians settled very early; and where was an oracular temple of Amon. [222]Αφυτη, η Αφυτις, πολις προς τῃ Παλληνῃ Θρᾳκης, απο Αφυος τινος εγχωριου. Εσχε δε ἡ πολις μαντειον του Αμμωνος. _Aphyte, or Aphytis, is a city hard by Pallene, in Thrace; so called from one Aphys, a native of those parts. This city had once an oracular temple of Ammon_. It stood in the very country called Phlegra, where the worship of fire once particularly prevailed. There was a city Aphace; also a temple of that name in Mount Libanus, sacred to Venus Aphacitis, and denominated from fire. Here, too, was an oracle: for most temples of old were supposed to be oracular. It is described by Zosimus, who says, [223]that near the temple was a large lake, made by art, in shape like a star. About the building, and in the neighbouring ground, there at times appeared a fire of a globular figure, which burned like a lamp. It generally shewed itself at times when a celebrity was held: and, he adds, that even in his time it was frequently seen. All the Deities of Greece were αποσπασματα, or derivatives, formed from the titles of Amon, and Orus, the Sun. Many of them betray this in their secondary appellations: for, we read not only of Vulcan, but of Diana being called [224]Apha, and Aphæa; and in Crete Dictynna had the same name: Hesychius observes, Αφαια, ἡ Δικτυννα. Castor and Pollux were styled [225]Αφετηριοι: and Mars [226]Aphæus was worshipped in Arcadia. Apollo was likewise called [227]Αφητωρ: but it was properly the place of worship; though Hesychius otherwise explains it. Aphetor was what the antient Dorians expressed Apha-Tor, a [228]fire tower, or Prutaneum; the same which the Latines called of old Pur-tor, of the like signification. This, in aftertimes, was rendered Prætorium: and the chief persons, who officiated, Prætores. They were originally priests of fire; and, for that reason, were called [229]Aphetæ: and every Prætor had a brazier of live coals carried before him, as a badge of his office. AST, ASTA, ESTA, HESTIA. Ast, Asta, Esta, signified fire; and also the Deity of that element. The Greeks expressed it Ἑστια, and the Romans, Vesta. Plutarch, speaking of the sacred water of Numicius being discovered by the priestesses of this Deity, calls them the virgins of [230]Hestia. Esta and Asta signified also a sacred hearth. In early times every district was divided according to the number of the sacred hearths; each of which constituted a community, or parish. They were, in different parts, styled Puratheia, Empureia, Prutaneia, and Prætoria: also [231]Phratriai, and Apaturia: but the most common name was Asta.