Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorized military escorts for Moscows so-called ghost fleet of covert tankers amid NATOs BALTOPS war games in the strategic Baltic Sea region. NATO,

Playwright and director David Mamet, known for Glengarry Glen Ross, says he was kicked out of the left about 25 years ago and found his political home in constitutional conservatism after realizing

Vice President Kamala Harris expressed support for anti-ICE protestors in Los Angeles just days after violent rioters assaulted federal agents during immigration enforcement operations. On June 6, officers

By Gloria Ogbonna Russian officials announced on Sunday that Moscow is still waiting for official confirmation from Kyiv regarding a long-planned exchange of 6,000 fallen soldiers, alleging that Ukraine

Last November, President Trump soundly defeated Vice President Harris among young men 18 to 29 years old, racking up about 56 percent of their votes according to the Associated Press. That represents

[View Article at Source]Editors Note: This is part of a new series of essays entitled Battle Studies, which seeks, through the study of military history, to demonstrate how past lessons

This gold-covered bronze object may depict a "divine" horse pulling the sun behind it.

The Best Woodford Reserve Bourbon That Doesn't Break The Bank...

Athena is one of the most famous deities from Greek antiquity. Born in full armor, springing forth from the head of her father Zeus, the virgin goddess was her fathers favorite daughter. She was also a favorite among the Greek people as the patron of not just Athens but also Pergamon and Sparta, among others. But what did the ancient Greeks believe Athena was the goddess of? Why was she so popular?WisdomPallas Athene, attributed to Rembrandt, c. 1657. Source: Calouste Gulbenkian MuseumOne of the principal domains associated with Athena was wisdom. Born out of the mind of Zeus, the association existed from the moment of her divine creation. From her wisdom grew many characteristics that came to define perceptions of the goddess in Greek culture.She was viewed as having unmatched cunning, and was known for her calculated reasoning and pragmatism. As such, she was a major figure in military conflict, representing the strategic aspect. This intellect was also found outside the battlefield. Her wisdom was sought by those looking for insight and those who required good counsel.Probably representing Athena in her guise as the goddess of wisdom, she was, and still is, associated with the owl. While academics have many theories on why the owl was represented in depictions of Athena, the owl is still considered a symbol of wisdom today, largely thanks to Athena.WarStatuette of Athena with an owl, Greek, c. 460 BCE. Source: Metropolitan Museum of ArtThe Greek world was not constrained by having one deity to represent a single concept. Gods were multifaceted with many associations, and there was often significant crossover between the domains of different gods.Athena and Ares were the two Greek gods most closely associated with war. This led to a rivalry between the two beings, who, through the epic stories, came into conflict on more than one occasion.However, while Ares represented the fury and bloody nature of battle, Athena represented the strategic side of military conflict. Athena also had influence over other aspects of war.She counseled Zeus in his war against the Titans, and it was Athena who gave Zeus the potion that he used on Kronos, causing the Titan to regurgitate all of Zeus siblings. Thus Athena was instrumental in Zeus victory. As such, Athena was the goddess of victory.Detail from a vase depicting combat between hoplites on the Chigi Vase, Greek, c. 7th century BCE. Source: Wikimedia CommonsAthena was also a commanding figure in the realm of personal skill in martial prowess. She was often depicted wearing the armor of a warrior or a soldier. The most striking symbols of her role as a warrior were her helm, shield, and spear. Most depictions of Athena include these three objects.WeavingAthena Changing Arachne into a Spider, by Antonio Tempesta, 1606. Source: Los Angeles County Museum of ArtAthena wasnt only tied to the serious business of war and outsmarting her enemies. She was also associated with handicrafts. She was most closely associated with the art of weaving, and she was seen as a protector of those whose livelihood revolved around the loom. By extension, Athena came to symbolize patronage of all handicrafts.According to the mythological tales, a mortal, and pupil of Athena, Arachne, challenged Athena to a weaving contest. Such was Athenas ire upon seeing the quality of her opponents work that she chastised her pupil, tearing her work to shreds. Arachne was so dismayed she hanged herself, after which Athena took pity on her and turned her into a spider.Such was Athenas importance to the weaving industry that every four years, a new peplos (robe worn by women in ancient Greece) was woven for the statue of Athena on the Acropolis. This was a major undertaking, as the statue was 38 feet (12 meters) tall!Athena embodied the spirit of much that the Greek world held dear, and reverence for her was widespread. From the realm of war to far more peaceful pursuits, she was a beloved part of the Greek pantheon.

For medieval women, carving out a place of power was exceedingly difficult. For hundreds of years, medieval women and their stories were overlooked and forgotten. However, a select few managed to gain power for themselves in the form of influence or money. These extraordinary women have something to teach us about medieval society and how it was possible for women to gain such power and agency that we would read about them hundreds of years after their deaths.Support the PopeSculpture of Matilda of Tuscany, 17th century. Source: Wikimedia CommonsMany of the most powerful medieval women gained their power through their families. However, having ties to royalty or other notable family members did not guarantee a womans influence. To truly find her own power this way, a woman must have both intelligence and the ability to build strong personal relationships.Matilda of Tuscany lost her father at a young age. Her mother Beatrice inherited his power and took care of Matilda. She and her mother became very close and even co-ruled for a time. Matilda was married twice but neither marriage was long lived. After her marriage to Godfrey the Bearded began to sour, she left him and repudiated him to enhance her own power. This was rare for women but since her wealth and power came from her parentage, she did not need his support. After both her husbands and her mother died within months of each other, Matilda found herself in a position of great power.Matilda was the inheritor of much of her wealth and power, however, Matilda was also very intelligent and powerful in her own right, speaking multiple languages and understanding military strategies. She was a devout supporter of the church and was able to lend her military support to the pope, granting her favor with him.Matilda defended Pope Gregory VII against Henry IV of Germany who was in a struggle for power with the church. In fact, it was at Matildas castle that Henry IV came to submit to Gregory in an act of humiliation and to ask for his forgiveness. To receive his forgiveness, Henry was said to crawl on his knees until the pope granted him penance for acting out against the church. Having a woman at the center of such a politically significant event was a testament to her power and influence.Ruling in Their Own RightQueen Eleanor, by Frederick Sandys, 1858. Source: Art UKEleanor of Aquitaine became one of the most powerful women in Europe when her father died in 1137 CE. He left her Aquitaine as well as an additional seven counties. She was now in control of his holdings, which at that time were greater in size, strength, and influence than France.From birth, she held an advantageous position. She was the Duchess of Aquitaine and received a thorough education. When she married Louis VII of France, she united the two kingdoms under her. Aquitaine and the well-educated Eleanor were not satisfied with letting her husband rule without her input since she brought much more power and wealth to their marriage.Although the marriage between Eleanor and Louis was not harmonious, she wanted to join the king on his crusade to Jerusalem. While on their voyage back, it was Eleanors army, not the Kings, that was better trained and better managed. Louiss army was disordered and was eventually attacked. However, since Eleanors army was well trained, they had journeyed ahead, leaving Louiss army trapped and without aid. This led to further division in their already cold marriage and eventually, they divorced. In a true showing of her power, Elenor chose her second husband herself.Becoming a Religious and Cultural IconJoan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII, by J. Ingres Pit, 1854. Source: The Louvre, ParisIt was not only noble women or well-educated women who were able to gain some influence in medieval times. Joan of Arc is considered one of the greatest heroines of all time, yet it is believed she could not read or write. Joan of Arc gained influence over the people of France through her visions and devotion to God. Joan often had visions from God and the people of France found inspiration in her words and actions.When Joan was just 17 years old, Charles VII granted an audience with her. At this conference, she promised him he would be crowned king of France. Although he had doubts about her legitimacy, Charles allowed her to accompany the French army and allowed her to wear armor. Her fellow soldiers respected her as a woman of God and with her as their muse, they won a victory over the English in 1429. She also obtained wounds in battle, once getting shot with an arrow between her neck and collarbone. She is reported to have pulled out the arrow and kept on fighting. Although her exact role in combat is still debated today, this image of her assured her status as a folk Catholic icon.Unfortunately, Joans positive influence on the people of France was short-lived. She was captured in battle against the Burgundians. The English then took Joan to Rouen where she was put on trial. Joan was accused of many things including witchcraft and wearing mens clothing and held in prison. In 1431 when Joan was just 19 years old, she was burned at the stake for her alleged crimes.Ruling by ProxyMargaret of Anjou, engraved by J.W. Cook, 1714. Source: Queens College CambridgeAt the age of 15, Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482) married Henry VI of England. Margaret was placed in the unique position to represent her French family and felt pressured to advocate for them in England regarding the Maine region, which the French wanted returned from England. Ultimately, Margaret was successful in obtaining Maine for France. Although the amount of influence she truly had over Henry is contested, it seems that Margaret did have at least some say in the decisions Henry made.Henry was not a strong ruler and lacked knowledge of military strategy. The people around him often tried to manipulate him. Margaret, however, managed to stay on friendly terms with the powerful nobles.Margaret also seems to have intervened in other matters. When rebels began fighting on London Bridge, they were later offered pardons which they credited partially to Margarets request.Margaret of Anjou marries Henry VI, 1484. Source: BnFHenrys family had a long history of mental illness and soon Henry would succumb to what some have called depression. In 1453, Henrys army was defeated at Castillon which rendered him catatonic for 18 months. He needed assistance to eat and walk and did not respond to those around him. This was so severe he did not react to the birth of his first-born child. In his stead, Margaret put herself forward as a regent but the role went to the Duke of York. Margaret worried for her son and future king of England because the duke had his own claim to the throne.Once recovered, Henry resumed his throne, however, the Duke of York retained some power from his Yorkist loyalists. Unfortunately for Margaret, she became the envoy in this power struggle as her husband was still too weak. Margaret was willing to take care of the affairs of the state on behalf of her husband and son. She often led her family through political crises and was credited for her diplomacy in such matters.Devoting Themselves to Religion and StudyHildegarde receives a divine vision, illumination from the Scivias, by Hildegarde of Bingen, 1151. Source: Wikimedia CommonsHildegarde of Bingen held significant power in the Catholic Church. In a time when women rarely enjoyed influence over the Church, Hildegarde of Bingen found fame and influence with her religious visions and music. Pope Eugenius III, busy fighting the Cathars, allowed Hildegarde to teach and speak publicly. It was very unusual for a woman, but the Pope saw her as an ally for those who would reject the Catholic Church for other forms of Christianity. Hildegarde was concerned about heretics and used her platform to call for reform.Although the Catholic Church had at times been at odds with Hildegarde, she was well regarded by many of her male colleagues in the church as someone who could provide guidance. Monks, bishops, and other clergymen often wrote to her seeking advice, and she often supplied both spiritual and practical wisdom.In addition to her role in the Church, Hildegarde composed a large body of music, much of which survives today. In retrospect, Hildegard held great influence over the religious community, far more than any other woman at the time.However, Hildegarde also received letters from people from all walks of life and she did not discriminate nor assign special privilege. From giving kind advice to commoners to admonishing kings, Hildegarde felt secure enough in her position to express herself fully. She may have been allowed to do this because her advice letters provided donations to the church by those who she had helped and others who believed in her cause.Book of Divine Works, by Hildegarde von Bingen, 1210. Source: Library of CongressEven though the motivation for the Church giving her such a secure position may have been financial, Hildegarde was a force for good. She was a respected individual and person in her own right and not just a woman. For the time being, this was an astonishing accomplishment.In addition to her influence over the Church and religious matters, Hildegarde even opened her own monastery in 1150 where young girls were often sent with a deep sense of security and safety. This, of course, caused some shock among monks but nonetheless, Hildegarde opened a second monastery in 1165. Much of Hildegardes letters, writing, and compositions survive today.