Athena

Athena was the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and craft, later equated with the Roman Minerva. Often depicted wearing a helmet and holding a spear, her symbols included owls, olive trees, and snakes. She was particularly revered in Athens, which likely gave her her name and where the Parthenon stands as her most famous temple.

According to myth, Athena sprang fully grown and armed from her father Zeus's forehead. As a virgin goddess, she was known as Parthenos, and as a city protector, Polias. She won patronage of Athens by gifting the first olive tree in a contest with Poseidon. Athena aided many Greek heroes, including Perseus and Odysseus, and played significant roles in the Trojan War and its aftermath. Since the Renaissance, she has remained a powerful symbol of wisdom, learning, and democracy in Western culture.