La guerra de Atenas con Egina y el culto de Damia y Auxesia

Abstract

The narration of the war by Heródoto (5.82-87) between Athens and Egina that initiated an old hatred between both poleis, is elaborated in the different versions mixed with the explanation of the worship of the goddesses Damia and Auxesia, venerated in Egina, Epidauro and other places, specially of the Peloponnese. The relation between the goddesses and the war can derive from the implication of the worship in the roots of the conflict but especially it can be related with the utilization of these chthonic divinities, also associated with dangerous, violent or apotropaic aspects, as emblem of the independence and of the resistance of the island to the interference of Athens from ends of the VIIth BC.