A mythical king and hero of Athens, born from Ge (the Earth) and cared for by Athena. Often shown as a baby; part or all of his body can be shown as a snake. As a baby he was hidden by Athena on the Acropolis in a box, opened by the daughters of Cecrops.
Above: Detail from an Athenian red-figure clay vase, about 470-450 BC. London, British Museum E182 © British Museum
