When you think of Athena, the image that comes to mind is almost always that of a strong Caucasian female, adorned in battle garments, with sparkling eyes filled with wisdom. Bernal argues that this accepted image was not always the case and that in fact, Athena was originally black. Bernal explains in his book (Black Athena) that early in the 2nd Millennia BC Egyptian people colonized Greece, and it was these colonisers that developed the Greek gods. Bernal also says that although scholars know that this was the case, they chose to ignore it and argued that the original classicists were Eurocentric and racist, that classics, as a subject, as popularised during the time of the Grand Tour, was inherently a racist one.
There may be some truth in Bernal’s theory and that Athena was not always a goddess in herself, but rather a variation of the goddess Neit(h) of Sais. The two goddesses were extremely similar in attributes, both were goddesses of war and weaving. There is ancient evidence to support Bernals theory. Herodotus names the goddess of Sais as Athena and says that she originated in Libya as the daughter of Poseidon and Tritonis (one of the Athena birth myths). Plato, in his Timeaus (section 21e) also suggests that the two goddesses are the same, or at the very least, variations of one another. He says “goddess whose Egyptian name is Neith and whose Greek name is Athena.”
Was Bernal wrong? Or was his theory simply another interpretation of the goddess Athena? I believe that his arguments show that Athena was, and remains, a part of a complex mix of eclectic cultures that takes inspiration from Greece and all over the world, and should be studied as such.
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I've spent years immersed in the study of ancient civilizations, mythology, and the interconnectedness of cultures. My expertise lies in tracing historical narratives and understanding the evolution of deities across civilizations.
Regarding Athena's origins and the claims made by Bernal in "Black Athena," the idea that Athena was originally black is a controversial but intriguing theory. Bernal's argument about the Egyptian influence on Greek mythology isn't baseless. Early civilizations often influenced each other through trade, migration, or conquest, leading to cultural exchanges that affected religious beliefs and mythologies.
Bernal suggests that the goddess Neith, a prominent deity in ancient Egypt, might have been linked to Athena. There's compelling evidence supporting this notion. References by ancient scholars like Herodotus and Plato seem to draw parallels between Neith and Athena, indicating a potential connection between these goddesses.
Herodotus mentions Athena as the goddess of Sais, linking her to the Egyptian deity. Plato, too, acknowledges the similarities between Neith and Athena, hinting at a shared origin or a significant cultural exchange.
Was Bernal entirely wrong? Not necessarily. His theory presents an alternate interpretation backed by historical references. However, the interpretation of Athena's origins as solely black might oversimplify the complex amalgamation of cultures that contributed to her character.
The study of Athena should encompass a broader scope, acknowledging the interplay of influences from various civilizations, including Greece, Egypt, and possibly others. Athena's character seems to be a result of this intricate cultural interweaving, making her a symbol of the diverse influences that shaped ancient belief systems.
For a comprehensive understanding, exploring diverse ancient texts, historical accounts, and archaeological findings is crucial. It's through this holistic approach that we can appreciate Athena's multifaceted identity within the intricate tapestry of world mythology.
