Nike, Goddess of Victory: Symbol of Ancient Greek Identity

Nike, Goddess of Victory: Symbol of Ancient Greek Identity

Shannon C. Wood
James Allison

Wood, Shannon C.; Allison, James

Abstract

The importance of the Ancient Greek goddess of victory, Nike, has traditionally been ignored or understated in Classical studies. However, I would argue that because the Greeks idolized traditional values that Nike had patronship over, and because there is evidence in the archaeological record that demonstrates Nike's importance and presence across a broad spectrum of worship, Nike is in fact one of the more important deities when considering the relation of Greek religion to Greek identity.