Aphrodite's role in the Judgement of Paris was the precursor to a decade long war. It all began at the wedding of Thetis, a sea nymph, and the mortal Peleus. Every immortal was invited to the wedding, with only one exception; Eris (Strife). Eris was offended at being the only uninvited that Eris decided to roll a golden apple across the floor that was marked, "For the Fairest". Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite all claimed that the apple was theirs and fought over who should keep it. Zeus decided to let Paris, a young sheppard decide. Unknown at the time, Paris was really a Trojan prince who was sent away by his father, Priam, as an infant because it was prophisied that he would be the downfall of Troy.
All three Goddesses made promises. Hera offered power and all kingdoms in Asia. Athena promised victory in battle, beauty, and wisdom. But Aphrodite's promise proved to be the most lucrative. She promised Paris the most beautiful woman on Earth, Helen of Sparta, the wife of Menelaus. So Paris ruled in Aphrodite's favor and won the eternal hatred of Hera and Athena. Aphrodite then assisted Paris in the abduction of Helen, which in turn led to the Trojan War.
