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It was Phīdias who finally fixed the typical representation of Athene in works of art. Among his numerous statues of her, three, the most celebrated, were set up on the acropolis of Athens. These were (1) The colossal statue of Athene Parthĕnŏs, wrought in ivory and gold, thirty feet in height (with the pedestal), and standing in the Parthĕnōn. (See Parthenon.) The goddess was represented wearing a long robe falling down to the feet, and on her breast was the ægis with the Gorgon's head. A helmet was on her head; in one hand she bore a Victory, six feet in height, in the other a lance, which leaned against a shield adorned with scenes from the battles of the Amazons with the Giants. (2) The bronze statue of Athene Promachos, erected from the proceeds of the spoils taken at Mărăthōn, and standing between the Propylæa and the Erechthēum. The proportions of this statue were so gigantic, that the gleaming point of the lance and the crest of the helmet were visible to seamen, on approaching the Piræus from Sūnium. (3) The Lemnian Pallas, so named because it had been dedicated by the Athenian Clērūchi in Lemnos. The attractions of this statue won for it the name of "the Beautiful." Like the second, it was of bronze; as a representation of Athene as the goddess of peace, it was without a helmet.

Throughout the numerous and varying representations of her, Athene has an imposing stature, suggesting a masculine rather than a feminine form; an oval face, with a brow of great clearness and purity; thoughtful eyes, compressed lips, firm chin, and hair carelessly thrown back. (See cut.) Her ordinary attributes are the helmet, the ægis covering the breast or serving as a shield for the arm, the lance, the round shield with the Gorgon's head, the olive branch, and the owl. (On her identification with Minerva, see Minerva.)

Athēnŏdōrus. A Greek sculptor, of the Rhodian school. He was associated with Agēsander and Pŏly̌dōrus in the production of the celebrated group of Laocoon. (See Sculpture.)

Athlētæ. This was the name given by the Greeks to the professional competitors for the prizes in gymnastic contests, such as boxing and the pancrătĭŏn, a combination of boxing with wrestling. The athletæ practised gymnastics as a means of livelihood, whereas in general Greek society it was regarded as a liberal art, useful for the harmonious development of the body, and as a training for military service. The professional athletes adopted a special regimen, which produced an exceptional development of bodily strength and muscle, but unfitted them for any other kind of life or pursuit. The profession of athlete was accordingly adopted mainly by men of low birth, and was more popular with the multitude than with persons of intelligence and education. Greek athletes did not make their appearance in Rome before 186 b.c. In the republican age they were not regarded with great favour; but under Augustus their contests became quite popular. No social stigma attached to them, as to actors and gladiators, and under the Empire they formed themselves into regular societies, each with its own president, travelling from place to place at the festivals, at which they would appear in pairs, arranged by lot, for a high remuneration. In 86 a.d. Domitian established a contest on the Capitol for musicians and athletes, to recur every four years; and erected a special race-course for