Symbol of Athena, goddess of wisdom, intelligence and resourcefulness. Athena was also the patron deity of Athens, the city to which she gave her name and the gift of the olive.
The owl was frequently depicted in the art and coinage of the city, especially from the 6th century BC onwards. Often with a sprig of olive, and sometimes with ΑΘΕ - ATHE, the first three letters of the name of the city and the goddess.
