Athena (or Minerva in Roman myth) was the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. She was also a member of the Twelve Olympians. While she was a virgin goddess with no children or lovers (like Artemis), She was the patron and helper of many heroes, including Odysseus, Jason, and Heracles. Athena was also patron of the city of Athens, Greece and the Parthenon was built as a temple in her honor.