Athena
became powerful in her golden age.
Her
reach extended across the Mediterranean.
Ares
didn’t appreciate her power.
He
started grumbling
Jealous
of the goddess’s power.
Suspecting
a war she told Pericles.
He
gathered his people
Ordered
walls to be built.
The
fortifications were strong.
Rivaling
the Cyclopian walls of Troy.
He
ordered ships to be built.
Athena’s
powerful trireme navy
Became
a force to be reckoned with.
Then
Ares made his move.
A
spear was thrust right into Athena’s heart.
She
protected her people
With
Pericles’ impenetrable shield.
For
a time Ares was kept at bay.
He
only got angrier.
He
went to Apollo
Asking
for help.
Apollo
complied by sending a great plague.
The
plague that killed Athena’s lion.
She
continued to fight on
Despite
the plague and military losses.
Abandoning
old strategies
With
more aggressive ones
She
went on the attack.
The
small island of Melos was the first target.
Then
she directed her spear toward Sicily.
Trying
to capture Syracuse
She
was mortally wounded
Ares
seized the opportunity
Raiding
the countryside.
Athena’s
democracy voted themselves out
In
favor of oligarchy.
The
people restored their freedom and continued the fight.
If
Athena was going to die, she’d rather be free.
Ares
went east
Talking
to the once proud dragon.
“I
offer you the cities of Anatolia,”
He
said,
“In
exchange for a little help.”
The
dragon smiled in his coils.
Coughing
up gold to fund a navy.
Once
the ships were built
Ares
squeezed Athena until she gave up.
