ll the Deities of Greece were [Greek: apospasmata], 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 Aphaea; and in Crete Dictynna had the same name:
Hesychius observes, [Greek: Aphaia, he Diktunna]. Castor and Pollux were
styled [225][Greek: Apheterioi]: and Mars [226]Aphaeus was worshipped in
Arcadia. Apollo was likewise called [227][Greek: Aphetor]: 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 Praetorium: and the chief
persons, who officiated, Praetores. They were originally priests of fire;
and, for that reason, were called [229]Aphetae: and every Praetor 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 [Greek: Hestia], 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 Praetoria: also [231]Phratriai, and
Apaturia: but the most common name was Asta.

These were all places of general rendezvous for people of the same
community. Here were kept up perpetual fires: and places of this sort were
made use of for courts of judicature, where the laws of the country,
[Greek: themistai], were explained, and enforced. Hence Homer speaking of a
person not worthy of the rights of society, calls him [232][Greek:
Aphretor, athemistos, anestios].

The names of these buildings were given to them from the rites there
practised; all which related to fire. The term Asta was in aftertimes by
the Greeks expressed, [Greek: Astu], Astu; and appropriated to a city. The
name of Athens was at first [233]Astu; and then Athenae of the same purport:
for Athenae is a compound of Ath-En, Ignis fons; in which name there is a
reference both to the guardian Godd