Pallas (Apr 2016)
« Pallas étend ses mains sur notre cité ». Réflexion sur le paysage épiclétique autour de l’Athéna « poliade »
Abstract
The role of Athena in the protection of cities is a well-known topos in Greek litterature from the Homeric epic. Within the local pantheons, such prerogatives reveal themselves in particular through the cult-epithets which are associated with the goddess. This paper aims to review the ensemble of epithets that concern Athena as patron of cities. Those revolve around three essential notions, that are closely interrelated: 1. the polis and its political and social organization; 2. safety and protection; 3. military victory. Finally, the study will look into the cult configurations of Athena in a specific historical context, that of the Rhodian pantheon. The study of these cult-epithets will allow to define more precisely the position of the “poliadic” Athena within the local pantheons, as well as the terms of her association with Zeus, who is always present in the goddess’ wake.
Keywords
