Athena and the Politics of Wisdom

Description:

Athena, the goddess of strategic intellect and civic virtue, embodies the marriage of craft and thought. This session examines her place in Athenian identity, protector of the polis, patron of artisans, and symbol of just governance. We’ll explore mythology, temple iconography, and the ways wisdom functioned as both political and personal practice. Participants will consider how Athena’s example invites a renewed understanding of balanced leadership, rational courage, and the blending of creativity with responsibility in contemporary communal life.

Workshop structure

• We begin with a short welcome and introduction where participants can share their experience with Artemis of Ephesus and any questions or themes they are bringing into the session.

• The main lecture follows, with a guided look at the artifacts, temple offerings, ancient sources, along with the major interpretations that have shaped its study.

• We close with an open Q and A where participants can follow up on anything…