Facts about Athena

1. 05

   Athena's birth from Zeus's head fully formed and armored was depicted in the sculptural relief of the Parthenon's east pediment around 447-432 BCE.

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2. 04

   Owls were sacred to Athena in ancient Greece and appeared on Athenian coins from the 5th century BCE as symbols of wisdom and the goddess's protection.

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3. 03

   Athena's sacred olive tree, planted on the Acropolis around 1200 BCE according to myth, became a symbol of wisdom and peace throughout ancient Greek civilization.

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4. 02

   In ancient Athens, only men could enter the inner sanctum of Athena's temple, while women were restricted to outer areas during religious ceremonies.

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5. 01

   The Parthenon's inner chamber housed a 40-foot gold and ivory statue of Athena crafted by sculptor Phidias around 438 BCE.

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