Eracle, eroe delle Panatenee

The widespread diffusion of images of Herakles in Athens as from around 570-560 B.C. must certainly have to do with the reorganization of the Panathenaea of 566 B.C. Herakles was in fact the best hero to symbolize the athletic spirit of the newly introduced sport competitions. On a mythical level the link between Herakles and the Panathenaea was sanctioned by his participation in the Gigantomachy. According to the literary tradition, in fact, the Panathenaic festival celebrated the victory of Athena over the giant Asterios.
In particular we analyse some shards found on the Acropolis, with representation of the battle between gods and giants as evidence of the strong tie linking Herakles, Athena and the Panathenaea in Athens during the archaic age.