The Athena Parthenos was a huge statue of Athena, which stood around 11 meters (40 ft) tall. It was the focal point of the Parthenon, the famous temple dedicated to the goddess in Athens*. The statue was sculpted by Phidias around 500BC, from gold and ivory. Replicas of the statue include a Roman version and a modern version in Tennessee, USA!

Athena is shown after winning a war. She holds Nike, goddess of victory, in her palm, proving that wisdom is the only way to true victory. At Athena's feet is her shield, Aegis, imprinted with the head of the cursed gorgon, Medusa. Resting on her left arm is her spear.

* More of how Athens is named after Athena on page 3.

The Athena Parthenos

Poseidon VS Athena

There once came a time in Ancient Greece when the first king of Athens, Cecrops, who was half man and half snake, had to find a patron for the city state of Athens.

The two Olympians who were particularly interested in the patronage were Poseidon, the god of the seas, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom and skill. They both wanted this patronage because of the wealth and position of the city.

They presented themselves in front of the King, and he asked them to create a gift worthy of the city of Athens. Poseidon went first: he struck the earth powerfully and created a well with his trident. Immediately, streaming water shot forth, but the water turned out to be salty and not very useful for the population.

Next, it was Athena's turn. She stepped forward, struck her spear into the ground and then she planted an olive branch in it. This way she created an olive tree, as a symbol of peace and prosperity on earth.

Cecrops was very impressed by Athena’s gift. So he chose Athena to lay claim to the city of Athens, and so the city was named after her. Poseidon, however, was not pleased with the decision of Cecrops and cursed the city of Athens to never have enough water from then on. After that, it is said that a major problem of water shortage started in Athens, which continues to this day.

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