01The Greek goddess of wisdom, arts and prudent warfare, identified by the Romans with Minerva.In Classical Greece she came to assume the dual
roles of Promachos ‘Front-rank Warrior’ and also
protector of horses.Born straight from Zeus’s head, Athene is a force
within the mind of Man.Athene is the protectress of Heroes.She
taught men the use of bridle and yoke, and is the principle by which man can
combine Power and Wisdom, since Athene herself is the
unification of the power of her father (Zeus) and the wisdom of her mother (Metis).The owl was the animal closest to her and she introduced
the art of weaving, which suggests Athene’s
relationship with introverted intuition, the wisdom to see the pattern and meaning of life.In later fairy-talesbirds were symbolically associated with her and had the power to
turn men to stone.
02Athenaeum: an institution for the promotion of
literary learning - a library or reading room - a
sanctuary of Athena built by the Roman emperor Hadrian and frequented by poets
and wo/men of learning.
Left: Side view of Temple of Athena
03Athenaeum Club of London: a gathering of scientists
and thinkers which boasts the largest
assembly of Nobel Prize winners in the world
which was also popular in 5th century Athens.
04Athens: capital of Attica, one of the Greek states
which grew up around the Acropolis and became the center of culture, literature
and the arts of the ancient world.
05Athenian Bee: Plato was
called the ‘Bee of Athens’, because when he was in
his cradle a swarm of bees alighted on his mouth.His words flowed with the sweetness of
honey.St. Ambrose and Xenophon also had this title.
