Double Owl

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The double owl features two owls, one facing left and the other facing right, with a central design that includes the goddess Athena or a related emblem, such as an olive sprig. The double owl was primarily associated with the city of Athens, where it became a powerful emblem of the city-state’s prosperity, wisdom, and divine protection.

The owl, in ancient Greek culture, was closely associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy, who was the patroness of Athens. The owl was her sacred bird and symbolized not only her wisdom but also her ability to bring clarity and insight in both intellectual and military pursuits. The presence of the owl on Athenian coins reflected the city’s identity as a center of learning, philosophy, and democracy. The double owl motif, therefore, doubled down on the city’s reputation, reinforcing its deep connection to Athena and her divine wisdom. It acted as both a symbol of the city’s greatness and a reminder of the protection and favor granted by the goddess.

The double owl could also symbolize balance and duality, with each owl complementing the other. The mirroring of the owls may have represented a harmony between different aspects of life, such as the intellectual and practical, or the divine and mortal. It may have also conveyed the idea of balance of power, particularly in the context of Athenian society, which was known for its political innovations, including the development of democracy. The dual owls could thus have been a representation of Athenian ideals of cooperation and unity under the protection of Athena.

In terms of iconography, the double owl also reinforced the wealth and influence of Athens. The tetradrachm, a large silver coin that often featured the double owl on its reverse, was a key instrument of Athenian trade and was widely circulated throughout the Greek world. The image of two owls, along with the head of Athena on the obverse, projected an image of Athenian strength, cultural superiority, and divine favor. The double owl became an iconic symbol that communicated Athens’ status as a major power in the ancient world, especially in the realms of commerce, culture, and military might.