greek gods and goddesses in ancient greece

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Olympian Gods » Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom

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Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom in Greek mythology

Bronze statue of the Piraeus Athena. Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, Greece

Athena's representationAthena was the Greek goddess of wisdom, skill and war

Athena photo gallery

Athena's extraordinary Birth

Athena was a child of Zeus and Metis, Zeus' first wife, who was keeping inside herself all the world's wisdom. She was born during the battle of the Giants, when she suddenly sprang out of the head of Zeus fully grown.[ Read the story...]

Athena's precious Skills

Athena was the goddess who taught mankind various skills such as weaving and sewing to the women and agriculture and metallurgy to men and was always giving precious advice and stood by on any danger.

Athena and the City of Athens

After competing against the Greek god Poseidon, Athena officially became the patron deity of the city of ancient Athens and the Parthenon was built in her honour. She was known as "Athena Nike" (Athena the victorious), as she was believed to have given the Athenians the victory during the Persian War.

Appearance and Sacred Symbols

A tall, slim woman with glaucous eyes wearing a suit of armour and a golden helmet [1]

Athena's symbols were the distaff and the aegis- a goat-like shield, to which the head of the Gorgon Medusa was fastened in order to terrify the opponents.
Athena's sacred animal was the owl, the symbol of wisdom.

The Roman name of Athena is "Minerva"


idioms of Idioms and modern words deriving from Athena

''syn athina kai chira kinei' (loosely translated: 'except Athena, move your hand')': god helps those who help themselves

Myths about Athena


Monuments of Athenaclick to expand

monuments of Athena Monuments related to Athena


Titles of Athenaclick to expand

Athena was referred to with the epithet(s):

  • Anemotis("protector of the winds")
  • Areia("war-like")
  • Ergane("worker")
  • Hippia("guide of the horses")
  • Nike("bringer of victory")
  • Pallas("youthful")
  • Polios("defender/guardian of the city")
  • Promachos("leader of the battle")
  • Soteira("saviour")

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