How was Athena being the patron of Athens ironic when considering the

role of women in the Athens city-state?

Answer: Athena is a personification of male aspect within a female. In this respect we should not forget that Athena was a divinity known for her intelligence, capacity to win battles and war using her intellect (her favourite hero was Odysseus, who - contrary to Achilleus, Ajax and many others - used his intellect to win). Athenians identified themselves very much with an intellect.

Explanation: Myth of Athena (especially the way she was born) reveals to us her close connection with patriarchy. She is "fille du papa" (daughter of her father), she was born jumping out of his father's head (that is a symbol) and with full armour (symbol again). Archetype of Athena is quite visible in females who work in justice, who are able to argue with male in an open and intelligent way and who are able affirm themselves in places/work places where males are traditionally dominant. Margaret Theatcher was Athena (in fact she was fathering UK at that time).