1.6 Myth and Symbols of Power

Question 1

What Greek goddess symbolized power in Athens?

Answer 1

Athena

Question 2

How did Athena’s birth myth reinforce her power?

Answer 2

Born fully armed from Zeus’ head

Question 3

What contest gave Athena power over Athens?

Answer 3

Defeated Poseidon with the olive tree

Question 4

What was Athena’s main symbol of wisdom and war?

Answer 4

Aegis (shield with Medusa’s head)

Question 5

What prescribed source shows Athena’s power in Athens?

Answer 5

Athena Parthenos statue by Phidias

Question 6

Where did the Athena Parthenos statue stand?

Answer 6

Inside the Parthenon

Question 7

What material was the Athena Parthenos statue made of?

Answer 7

Gold and ivory

Question 8

How tall was the Athena Parthenos statue?

Answer 8

About 12 meters (40 feet)

Question 9

What did Athena hold in her right hand in the statue?

Answer 9

Nike (Victory)

Question 10

What was on Athena’s shield in the Parthenos statue?

Answer 10

Scenes of Greek victories (e.g., Amazonomachy)

Question 11

Why was Athena’s statue significant to Athenian power?

Answer 11

Showed divine favor and military might

Question 12

How did Athena’s myths link to Athenian democracy?

Answer 12

Promoted wisdom and justice

Question 13

What Roman god symbolized power in Rome?

Answer 13

Jupiter

Question 14

What myth showed Jupiter’s supreme power?

Answer 14

Overthrew Saturn to rule the gods

Question 15

What was Jupiter’s main symbol of authority?

Answer 15

Lightning bolt

Question 16

What prescribed source represents Jupiter’s power?

Answer 16

Statue from the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus

Question 17

Where was the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus?

Answer 17

Capitoline Hill

Question 18

What did Jupiter’s statue likely hold?

Answer 18

Thunderbolt or sceptre

Question 19

How was Jupiter’s statue depicted?

Answer 19

Seated, majestic, in a chariot (on roof)

Question 20

Why was Jupiter’s statue key to Roman power?

Answer 20

Linked to state protection and triumphs

Question 21

What Roman ritual tied Jupiter to military power?

Answer 21

Triumphs ended at his temple

Question 22

How did Jupiter’s myths reinforce Roman rule?

Answer 22

Showed divine right of kings and emperors

Question 23

What animal was associated with Jupiter’s power?

Answer 23

Eagle

Question 24

Why did Greeks use myths as symbols of power?

Answer 24

To justify city pride and leadership

Question 25

Why did Romans use myths as symbols of power?

Answer 25

To legitimize state authority

Question 26

How did Athena’s olive tree symbolize Athenian power?

Answer 26

Peace and prosperity

Question 27

What Roman myth linked Jupiter to Rome’s founding?

Answer 27

Mars (his son) fathered Romulus

Question 28

How did the Athena Parthenos reflect Athens’ wealth?

Answer 28

Gold and ivory showed economic strength

Question 29

What did Jupiter’s temple location signify?

Answer 29

Rome’s dominance from the Capitoline

Question 30

How did Greek myths differ from Roman in power use?

Answer 30

Greek: city-focused, Roman: state-focused

Question 31

What was a common Greek power symbol in art?

Answer 31

Gods with weapons or attributes

Question 32

What was a common Roman power symbol in art?

Answer 32

Gods in triumphant poses

Question 33

Why were statues central to power in both cultures?

Answer 33

Made divine favor visible

Question 34

How did Athena’s aegis enhance her power image?

Answer 34

Terrified enemies with Medusa’s gaze

Question 35

What linked Jupiter to Roman emperors?

Answer 35

Adopted his symbols (e.g., eagle, thunderbolt)