Don’t miss the Temple of Athena Nike during your visit to the Greek Acropolis.
This temple, with its dramatic pillars, was built atop a sacred rock on a bastion around 420 BC and is considered the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis.
It was designed by architect Kallikrates, built in honor of Athena. Even today, it’s surprisingly well preserved, albeit delicate and ancient. It was rebuilt multiple times over the years, most recently from 1936 to 1940.
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Who Was Athena?
Here is a quick look at Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, queen and namesake, as Athena Parthenos, of the Parthenon —and sometimes, of war.
Athena's Appearance: A young woman wearing a helmet and holding a shield, often accompanied by a small owl. A huge statue of Athena depicted this way once stood in the Parthenon.
Athena's symbol or attribute: The owl, signifying watchfulness and wisdom; the aegis (small shield) showing the snaky head of Medusa.
Athena's strengths: Rational, intelligent, a powerful defender in war but also a potent peacemaker.
Athena's weaknesses: Reason rules her; she is not usually emotional or compassionate but she does have her favorites, such as the beleaguered heroes Odysseus and Perseus.
Birthplace of Athena: From the forehead of her father Zeus. It is possible this refers to the mountain of Juktas on the island of Crete, which appears to be a profile of Zeus lying on the ground, his forehead forming the highest part of the mountain. A temple on top of the mountain may have been the real birthplace.
Athena's parents: Metis and Zeus.
Athena's siblings: Any child of Zeus had numerous half-brothers and half-sisters. Athena is related to dozens, if not hundreds, of other children of Zeus, including Hercules, Dionysos, and many others.
Athena's spouse: None. However, she was fond of the hero Odysseus and helped him whenever she could on his long journey home.
Athena's children: None.
Some major temple sites for Athena: The city of Athens, which is named after her. The Parthenon is her best-known and best-preserved temple.
Basic story for Athena: Athena was born fully-armed from the forehead of her father Zeus. According to one story, this is because he swallowed her mother, Metis, while she was pregnant with Athena. Although Zeus's daughter, she could also oppose his plans and conspire against him, though she generally supported him.
Athena and her uncle, the sea god Poseidon, competed for the affections of the Greeks, each providing one gift to the nation. Poseidon provided either a wonderful horse or a salt-water spring rising from the slopes of the Acropolis, but Athena provided the olive tree, giving shade, oil, and olives. The Greeks preferred her gift and named the city after her and built the Parthenon on the Acropolis, where Athena is believed to have produced the first olive tree.
Interesting fact about Athena: One of her epithets (titles) is "gray-eyed." Her gift to the Greeks was the useful olive tree. The underside of the olive tree's leaf is gray, and when the wind lifts the leaves, it shows Athena's many "eyes."
Athena is also a shape-shifter. In the Odyssey, she transforms herself into a bird and also takes on the form of Mentor, a friend of Odysseus, to give him special advice without revealing herself as a goddess.
Alternate names for Athena: In Roman mythology, the goddess closest to Athena is called Minerva, who is also a personification of wisdom but without the warlike aspect of the goddess Athena. Athena's name is sometimes spelled Athina, Athene or even Atena.
More Fast Facts About Greek Gods and Goddesses
- The 12 Olympians - Gods and Goddesses
- Greek Architecture - Buildings in the Classical Greek City
- The Titans
- Aphrodite
- Apollo
- Ares
- Artemis
- Atalanta
- Athena
- Centaurs
- Cyclopes
- Demeter
- Dionysos
- Gaia
- Hades
- Helios
- Hephaestus
- Hercules
- Hermes
- Kronos
- The Kraken
- Medusa
- Nike
- Pan
- Pandora
- Pegasus
- Persephone
- Perseus
- Poseidon
- Rhea
- Selene
- Zeus
Planning a Trip to Greece?
Here are some links to help with your planning:
- Flights to and from Greece: Find and compare Athens and other Greece flights. The airport code for Athens International Airport is ATH.
As a dedicated scholar and enthusiast of ancient Greek history, mythology, and architecture, my passion lies in unraveling the rich tapestry of the Hellenic world. I have extensively studied the artifacts, texts, and archaeological sites that form the bedrock of our understanding of this captivating era. My knowledge spans the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses, the intricacies of classical Greek architecture, and the mythical tales that continue to captivate the imagination.
Let's delve into the fascinating concepts encapsulated in the provided article:
Temple of Athena Nike on the Greek Acropolis: The Temple of Athena Nike, perched atop the Acropolis, stands as a testament to ancient Greek craftsmanship. Constructed around 420 BC, it's a prime example of Ionic architecture, skillfully designed by Kallikrates. Despite facing various reconstructions, the temple remains remarkably preserved, offering a glimpse into the reverence for Athena, the goddess it honors.
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom: Athena, a central figure in Greek mythology, is revered as the Goddess of Wisdom. Born fully armed from the forehead of her father, Zeus, she symbolizes rationality, intelligence, and prowess in war and peace. Athena's attributes include a helmet, shield, and her association with a small owl. The Parthenon, a temple in Athens, is dedicated to her, depicting her as Athena Parthenos.
Athena's Symbolism and Attributes: The owl, representing watchfulness and wisdom, is Athena's symbol. Her aegis, a small shield, bears the snaky head of Medusa. Athena is portrayed as a rational and intelligent deity, a formidable warrior, and a skilled peacemaker.
Athena's Origin and Family: Athena's unique birth from Zeus's forehead is a captivating myth. Her parents are Zeus and Metis, and she has numerous half-siblings, including Hercules and Dionysos. Despite being born from Zeus, Athena could oppose his plans when necessary.
Athena's Influence and Contributions: Athena's competition with Poseidon for the Greeks' favor led to her providing the olive tree, which the Greeks preferred over Poseidon's gifts. The city of Athens is named after her, and the Parthenon on the Acropolis is a testament to her influence.
Interesting Facts about Athena: Athena's epithet "gray-eyed" reflects her association with the olive tree, whose leaves resemble eyes when lifted by the wind. She is also a shape-shifter, as seen in the Odyssey, where she transforms into a bird and takes on the guise of Mentor.
Alternate Names and Cultural Connections: In Roman mythology, Athena is akin to Minerva, emphasizing wisdom without Athena's warlike aspects. Athena's name variations include Athina, Athene, or Atena.
Fast Facts About Greek Gods and Goddesses: The article provides a list of various Greek gods and goddesses, including Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Artemis, Poseidon, and others, showcasing the diverse and intricate pantheon.
As someone deeply immersed in the wonders of ancient Greece, I invite you to explore the enthralling realms of mythology, architecture, and history that continue to shape our understanding of this extraordinary civilization. If you're planning a journey to Greece, the provided links offer valuable resources for a memorable and enriching experience.
