February
03
/ 2019
The Panathenaea was an ancient and important festival celebrated in the ancient Greek city state of Athens. This festival was held in honor of Athena Polias, the city’s patron goddess, and Erechtheus, the legendary founder of the city. The celebrations included sacrifices, ceremonies, and competitions. Origin of the Panathenaea The establishment of the Panathenaea is attributed to Erichthonius, a legendary early ruler of Athens (initially identified by the Greeks with Erechtheus, though the two were later regarded as separate figures). The first Panathenaea is said to have been held 729 years before the first Olympiad. The original name of the festival is believed to have been Athenaea. When Attica was united by Theseus, however, the festival’s name was changed to
