Athena Site

Athena (Minerva to the Romans) was born from the head of Zeus when Hephaestus split it open with an axe. She was born fully armed. Zeus gave his aegis to Athena which she used for both a weapon and protection. Athena was friends with Nike, the goddess of victory. Athena herself was the goddess of wisdom and handicrafts, especially weaving. She was also protector of the city of Athens and invented many things including the olive, her sacred tree, and the horse bridle. This virgin goddess was associated with the owl and the Parthenon on the Acropolis. She was also the goddess of defensive warfare.