di Gabriel Woods - Goddess of protection, prosperity and war Athena ruled from the Temple of Athena, the spectacular Parthenon. The Priestess Polias, the most powerful of three priestesses was considered to be the most beautiful woman in all of Greece, also known for her great skills of diplomacy as she took part in the governance of Athens. Goddess Athena punished Priestess Polias for sleeping with Poseidon by turning her into Medusa who had snakes for hair and could turn individuals into stone with a glance.