Bronze Statuette of Athena in Combat

The statuette, made of solid-cast bronze, depicts a female figure identifiable as Athena Promachos on the basis of her attributes and the dynamic, combative pose. The goddess is shown standing in a proud and stable stance, her gaze directed forward. She wears a helmet, a cuirass covering the upper part of her torso, and a long pleated garment (chiton) reaching down to her feet. In her right hand, drawn back, she would have held a spear, while in her left she carried a shield; both attributes are now missing.

The term promachos, associated with representations of Athena depicted in the same pose as this statuette, means “she who fights in the front line.” This type of imagery symbolizes the heroic and rational defense of the city—the strength that arises from knowledge and courage rather than fury. It is thus the image of armed wisdom: the goddess of war who fights to protect order and civilization.

The statuette was part of a group of six bronze figurines found in the domestic shrine (lararium) of one of the houses of Copiae.