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Ten papers from 1992 symposia at Dartmouth College and Princeton University are augmented by an original chapter and a translation of a Greek article, to explore the myth and cult of Athena, contests and prizes associated with her worship, and art and politics generated around her. Among the topics are women in the Panathenaic and other festivals, the iconography of shield devices and column-mounted statues on amphoras, and the Panatheniaia in the age of Perikles. Paper edition (unseen), $22.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
"According to one myth, the first Athenian citizen was born from the earth after the sperm of a rejected lover, the god Hephaistos, dripped off the virgin goddess Athena's leg and onto fertile soil. Henceforth Athenian citizens could claim to be truly indigenous to their city and to have divine origins that bypassed maternity. In these essays, the renowned French Hellenist Nicole Loraux examines the implication of this and other Greek origin myths as she explores how Athenians in the fifth century forged and maintained a collective identity."--Publisher's description.
In this definitive assessment of the various representations and approaches to Athena, Susan Deacy does what no other has done before and brings all the aspects of this legendary figure into one, outstanding study. A survey of one of the most enduringly popular of ancient deities, the book introduces Athena’s myth, cult and reception, while directing the reader to detailed discussion as and when it is appropriate. Students will find it a great help in their studies, and for the general reader with an interest in the ancient world and for those from related disciplines such as literature, art history and religion, it provides a mine of information and insight into this fascinating classical figure.
Relates the exploits of Athena and her importance in Greek mythology, including her connection to such figures as Jason and Odysseus, and describes the role of myths in the modern world.
Among ancient Greek deities, none has enjoyed as rich a life as Athena - goddess of war, wisdom and the arts - and she continues to fascinate and challenge today. This volume sheds light on the goddess more comprehensively than has previously been attempted. It brings together the latest research, centring on Greek and Roman religion, literature and archaeology, yet also encompassing ancient Near Eastern, Indo-European, and modern interpretations. Cults and myths are explored, as are political, social, and gendered roles, and art historical and etymological developments. Recurrent themes are investigated, as are the many dividing lines and contradictory aspects which characterise representations of the goddess. The volume will enhance our understanding of Athena, and will be a source of inspiration for new ideas and interpretations for years to come.
Athena appeared in many Greek myths, having major roles in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and in ancient plays dealing with justice and democracy. Born from Zeus’ head, she was a contradictory figure in many ways. She was the goddess of war and a protector of civilization. She was capable of being a good friend to humans, yet she could also be fiercely vindictive and hand out punishment to men and women alike without a second thought. Temples were raised to her throughout Greece—including the famous Parthenon. The city of Athens, a military power and cultural center, embodied the goddess for whom it was named.
A complex study that argues that Athena's wrath is essential to both the structure and the theme of the Odyssey shedding light on the central theme of the relations between gods and men and revealing subtleties of narrative and ambiguities of character.
A fully illustrated study of the Doric Temple of Athena at Assos, in modern Turkey. Bonna Daix Wescoat presents a complete inventory of the architecture and ornament, proposes a new reconstruction of the building, and situates the Temple within the formative development of monumental architecture in Archaic Greece.
Athena is recognized as an allegory or representative of Athens in most Athenian public art except in tragedy. Perhaps this is because tragedy is rarely studied as a public art form or, perhaps, because her character is not static in tragedy. Although Athena's characterization changes to fit the needs of a particular drama, her clear connection with justice remains true throughout and suggests that she is always the representative of the city and its institutions. Athens, the city Athena protected, experienced a dramatic transformation in the fifth century: its political institutions, physical landscape, military power and international prestige underwent dynamic change. Athena, its goddess ...