03/18/2026
A little background on Athena ~
In ancient Greece, Athena was revered as the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and craft, a powerful feminine force who embodied both intellect and strength. Unlike the impulsive gods of Olympus, she was known for her discernment and clarity of mind, guiding not with brute force but with purpose. One of the most beloved and respected figures in the Greek pantheon, she was a protector of Athens, a patron of artisans, and a symbol of justice.
The Parthenon, the great temple crowning the Acropolis of Athens, was built in her honor in the 5th century BCE, its name derived from Parthenos, meaning “virgin” or “maiden”. Within its walls stood a magnificent gold and ivory statue of the goddess herself.
Her sacred companion is the owl, representing the ability to see what others could not, to find truth in darkness and to look beyond the surface. It became so closely associated with Athena that it came to symbolize wisdom itself.
A. Athena Necklace in 14k gold with yellow sapphire eyes
B. Original 1785 Plan du Temple de Thesee, Vue du Parthenon, by Barbié du Bocage
C. Nashville’s full scale Parthenon & Athena replica by sculptor Alan LeQuire, unveiled in 1990
D. Gustav Klimt - Pallas Athena (1898)
E. Athena temple in Assos, Turkey taken by yours truly July 2025. One of dozens of temples dedicated to Athena across the ancient Greek world.