Athena Parthenos is a monumental statue of the goddess Athena, created by the sculptor Phidias around 447-432 BCE. It was housed in the Parthenon, a temple on the Acropolis of Athens, and stood approximately 12 meters tall. The statue was made of gold and ivory, showcasing Athena in full armor, holding a shield and a statue of Nike, the goddess of victory.
The Athena Parthenos symbolized the power and protection of the city of Athens. It was not only a religious icon but also a representation of the city's wealth and artistic achievement during the Classical period. The statue was lost in antiquity, but its influence remains significant in art and culture.