Clay; fired and painted
480-460 BCE
Greece
The British Museum
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Greek civilisation
Theme
Empire: Projecting Power
Subtheme
Do Empires Need Wars?
Case Title
Preparing for war
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Made in Athens, Greece
Measurements
41 x 25.3 x 25.8 x (dia.) 25.3 cm
Accession Number
1867,0508.959
Description
War requires intelligence as well as physical strength. Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom – and warfare. Armed with helmet, spear and shield, she is battle-ready. Filled with olive oil, this vase was a prize for athletes at the Panathenaic games, a religious festival honouring Athena, Athens’ patron goddess.
