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Athena Nike:
The priestess of Athena Nike also served for life but was selected in a different way to that
of Athena Polias. The priestess of Athena Nike was chosen by lot and therefore open to all
Athenian citizen women. They were not excluded by economic class or particular family
groups. Inscriptions indicate that she earned 50 drachma a year as well as receiving the legs
and hides of sacrificed animals. This once again shows why the position of a priestess would
be so greatly desired within citizen families. Served for life.
The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple on the Acropolis of Athens. Built between 427 and
424 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. It has a prominent
position on a steep bastion at the south west corner of the Acropolis. Nike means victory in
Greek, and Athena was worshipped in this form, as goddess of victory in war and wisdom.
The citizens worshipped the goddess in hope of a prosperous outcome in the long
Peloponnesian War fought on land and sea against the Spartans and their allies.
Myrrhine:
Funerary monument made of marble stele dating from 430-400 BC. Prominence of father
and inclusion of his name show his approval, chosen by lot=left to the gods. New temple of
Athena Nike built in 420s. Myrrhine most likely first priestess of that new temple.
Far-shining memorial of Kallimachos’s
daughter,
who was the first to watch over the
temple of Nike,
Her name accompanied her glory, as
by divine
good fortune she was rightly called
Myrrhine.
She was the first to watch over the
seat of Athena Nike,
(chosen) from all the Athenians by a
fortunate lot, Myrrhine.