Group of statues from the Parthenon temple

The image shows a replica of a group of statues depicting the sculptural decoration of the east pediment of the Parthenon. The original statues adorned the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens and depicted the contest between Athena and Poseidon to be the patron god of Athens.

According to legend, both Athena and Poseidon offered gifts to the city in order to gain the favor of the citizens.

Poseidon gave the city a saltwater spring, symbolizing its sea power, or a horse, while Athena gave the city an olive tree, symbolizing peace and prosperity.

The citizens of the city eventually chose Athena as their patron god, which is why the city was named Athens.

The original statues were the work of the Greek sculptor Phidias and are considered one of the pinnacles of classical Greek art.

Most of the original sculptures are now in the British Museum, while some fragments are on display in the Acropolis Museum.