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Athena Parthenos by Phidias
The magnificent temple on the Acropolis of Athens, known as the Parthenon, was built between 447 and 432 BCE in the Golden Age of Pericles, and it was dedicated to the city's patron deity Athena. The temple was constructed to house the new...
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Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike, on the southwest bastion of the Acropolis, is smaller than the other buildings behind it but no less impressive. It was completed in 420 BCE during the restoration of Athens after the Persian invasion of 480 BCE...
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The Women of Athena's Cult
In ancient Athens, women had no life outside the home unless they were prostitutes or were engaged in religious activities such as festivals. Every Greek deity in every city-state had their own cult (sect) but the cult of Athena offered women...
Definition
Athena
Athena was the goddess of wisdom, war, and the crafts. She was the favourite daughter of Zeus and was, perhaps, the wisest, most courageous, and certainly the most resourceful of the Olympian gods. Zeus was told that his son would take his...
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Athena Parthenos, National Museum, Athens
A detail of a marble copy of the Athena Parthenos which stood in the Parthenon. Also known as the Varvakeion Athena, it is the best preserved such copy. 3rd century CE. (National Archaeological Museum, Athens)
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Athena Parthenos, Palazzo Altemps
Athena Parthenos; 1st century BCE copy by Athenian sculptor Antiochus of the famous original from 5th century BCE by Phidias; Arms and nose are part of 17th century CE restoration; Palazzo Altemps in Rome, Italy
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Athena Parthenos Reconstruction
A modern reproduction of the lost statue of Athena which once resided in the Parthenon of Athens. The 12m high original, sculpted by Pheidias in the mid-5th century BCE, was made of an inner wooden core covered in ivory and gold. In her right...
Definition
Acropolis
An acropolis is any citadel or complex built on a high hill. The name derives from the Greek akro, "high" or "extreme/extremity" or "edge", and polis, "city", translated as "high city", "city on the edge" or "city in the air", the most famous...
Definition
Phidias
Phidias (also Pheidias) was, according to his contemporaries, the most renowned of all Greek sculptors. His greatest masterpieces were completed between c. 465 and 425 BCE. Unfortunately, except through copies, no example of his work has...
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Hygieia, the Goddess of Health
Modern medicine has its origin in the ancient world. The oldest civilizations used magic and herbs to cure their sick people, but they also used religion to free them from harm and to protect their health. The medical care of today has its...