Question: Discuss the role of Athena as a patron deity in Athens.
Answer: Athena the goddess is Athens itself - i.e. the real and concrete spirit of the citizens.' As Hegel notes, Athena was a vital component to the formation of an Athenian identity. As a 'splendid symbol' of the Athenians aims and achievements , she encapsulated the image of how the Athenians wished to be perceived and how they regarded themselves in comparison to the other nations of the Greek world. Furthermore, an examination of the varying depictions of Athena in art (both literary and visual) during the rise and fall of Athenian fortunes, provides important insights into how religious motifs could be manipulated for with political ends, and how far the image of a patron deity was used to represent the polis....(short extract)
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- Subject: Classical Studies
- Course: Classical Studies
- Level: Degree
- Year: 2nd/3rd
- Mark: 68%
- Words: 3975
- Date submitted: July 28, 2009
- Date written: April, 2003
- References: Yes
- Document type: Essay*
- Essay ID: 1960
