Ancient Greek Gods and the Battle of Athens

But long before this ancient city was even making a name for itself with such accomplishments, it witnessed a battle which was waged between two of the most powerful ancient Greek gods of Olympus, fighting to win the favor of its very citizens and its king, Kekrops.

Source: www.theoi.com

These two Greek gods were Poseidon - Greek god of the sea and known as the "Earth-Shaker" was also the god of earthquakes in ancient Greece, and Athena - Greek Goddess of War and Wisdom. Both were very fond of the city and each wanted to claim it as their own. Poseidon was also the brother of Zeus and he was not content with his rule over the sea, jealous of his brother and the authority he enjoyed over the land.

And so almighty Zeus, king of all the Greek gods decided that Athena and Poseidon should have a competition to decide the outcome of this battle. The competition was that each of the two powerful gods was to offer the best present they could to the city and its citizens would decide who would become their patron god.

The Athena Pallas is one of the most important busts surviving of the Greek goddess Athena (Roman Minerva) because it was carved of Parian marble, found on the island of Crete, and believed to be carved by the sculptor Cephisodote from the late Classical period in the 4th century.

Click on image to purchase this beautiful museum reproduction of the Athena Pallas bust...