Athena Parthenos

sculpture by Phidias

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June 23, 2026

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The Athena Parthenos was a colossal chryselephantine (gold and ivory) sculpture of the Greek goddess Athena, created by the sculptor Phidias for the Parthenon in Athens. Completed in 438 BCE, it stood approximately 38 feet (12 meters) tall. The statue depicted Athena standing, adorned with a tunic, aegis, and helmet. She held a Nike (goddess of victory) in her outstretched right hand and a spear in her left, with a shield and a serpent at her side. While the original sculpture no longer exists, several Roman and Hellenistic copies provide an idea of its appearance. Phidias was the artistic director of the Parthenon's construction and created its most significant religious imagery.1

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Phidias
The colossal statue of the Athena Parthenos, which Phidias made for the Parthenon, was completed and dedicated in 438. The original work was made of gold and ivory and stood some 38 feet (12 metres) high. The goddess stood erect, wearing a tunic, aegis, and helmet and holding a Nike…
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The colossal statue of the Athena Parthenos, which Phidias made for the Parthenon, was completed and dedicated in 438. The original work was made of gold and ivory and stood some 38 feet (12 metres) high. The goddess stood erect, wearing a tunic, aegis, and helmet and holding a Nike…
Read More