The Temple of Athena Nike exemplifies the ancient Greek belief that the gods, particularly Athena, held divine providence over government and victory in war. It was built as part of the same project as the Parthenon, one of the greatest achievements of Mycenaean Greece. From 1300 to 1000 BC, Mycenaean Greece bordered Epirus, Macedonia, Fracia, Friapa, Mysia, Caria, and Lydia. Including this time span, ancient Greece lasted from 8000 to 50 BC. Athens' achievements in this period include the Pythagorean theorem and the Socratic dialogues. The epic Trojan War is also said to have occurred in the Mycenaean era. So it was the Ionian Greeks who built this ancient temple. (Ancient-Greece.org)(about Ancient History.com) In the style of ancient Greece, the Temple of Athena Nike is full of symbolism. Its wall is covered with a magnificent fresco, which still interests artists today for its representation of technique and culture. The central statue of Athena holds a pomegranate, an ancient symbol of good luck, righteousness and generosity. Furthermore, this incredible statue is known as "Wingless Athena", because her wings were removed so that she would not fly away. The contrast between the temple's slender Ionic pillars and the surrounding rocky environment was also a representation of the contrast between Athena's sex and her violent dominion. This is the symbolism of the Temple of Athena Nike. (thinkquest.org)(Reidel, Brown.edu)Architecture also had a strong connection to government and warfare. The Temple of Athena Nike was primarily built and used as a wartime base. The aforementioned statue was therefore considered a lucky charm. Sacrifices were often offered to Athena in exchange for wisdom and skill...... middle of paper ......ian-War.htm."People of the past>Theodorus Kolokotronis" messinia guide.gr. Retrieved February 7, 2010. http://www.messinia-guide.gr/item.asp?lang=en&item=139&category=146."Temple of Athena Nike" Ancient-Greece.org. Retrieved January 19, 2010. http://ancient-greece.org/architecture/athena-nike.html."The Acropolis of Athens: Paths to the Ancient Myth" Calvin.edu. Calvin Institute. Retrieved January 22, 2010. http://www.calvin.edu/academic/clas/pathways/acropoli/ahis1.htm."The Ancient City of Athens" Thinkquest.org. Retrieved January 21, 2010. http://library.thinkquest.org/17709/cities/athens.html."Welcome to the Temple of Athena Nike" Acropolis.co. Retrieved January 21, 2010. http://www.evere.co.uk/d'evere/athens/00/19.Papers:Norris, Michael. Greek art: from prehistory to classical. New York, New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000