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Temple of Athena Nike

temple, Athens, Greece
Also known as: Wingless Victory

Quick Summary

The Temple of Athena Nike, located on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a small Ionic temple dedicated to Athena Nike, the goddess of victory. Designed by the architect Callicrates, construction began in 427 BCE and was completed in 424 BCE. The temple was built on the southwestern bastion of the Acropolis.12

Nike, the goddess of victory, was the daughter of Pallas and the River Styx. She was often depicted with wings and carried symbols of victory such as a palm branch or wreath. While Nike was associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, Athena Nike was typically depicted without wings. The Romans called Nike Victoria and considered her a protective goddess. The Temple of Athena Nike was demolished by the Turks in 1686 and later reconstructed.32

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