Minerva

In Roman mythology, the goddess of wisdom and war, and of handicrafts and the arts, equivalent to the Greek Athena. From the earliest days of ancient Rome, there was a temple to her on the Capitoline Hill, near the Temple of Jupiter.

In Rome greater emphasis was placed on her warlike characteristics than elsewhere in the empire, and the goddess was often depicted in armour, frequently with a shield bearing the face of the gorgon Medusa. The spoils of war were dedicated to her.

Quinquatrus, her festival, was held on 19 Mar and lasted five days. The Palladium, a carved image of her Greek counterpart reputedly carried to Rome from Troy by Aeneas, was preserved in the Temple of Vesta.

Minerva

Village in Stark and Carroll counties, northeastern Ohio; population (1990) 4,400. It is located on the Sandy River, 24 km/15 mi east-southeast of Canton.

Minerva was founded during the construction of the Sandy and Beaver Canal. Its economy now relies on diversified farming and the manufacture of such products as electrical equipment, tools and dies.