The motto of this year's "Heilbronn Cultural Region" is "Strong Women". We are building on this with a trilogy of themed tours that focus on different aspects of ancient goddesses and other female figures.
It is symbolic that Athena/Minerva became the much revered goddess of wisdom and the arts as the head birth of her father. The virgin goddess was always depicted heavily armored and armed. Her worship played a role in many areas: in science and crafts as well as among artists of all kinds, doctors and teachers.
Wisdom and intellect were one side of her nature - but like many ancient goddesses, she was extremely easy to offend and woe betide anyone who sought her revenge...!
As the consort of Jupiter, Juno was traditionally assigned female functions such as marriage, childbirth and care. However, she was also known for her jealousy and anger, which mortals and gods alike had to be wary of - especially those involved in Jupiter's amorous escapades. For example, Juno killed Bacchus' mother in her excessive thirst for revenge by means of an intrigue and Jupiter only managed to save the unborn boy through a trick. She also took on the role of the evil stepmother in relation to Hercules, under which Jupiter's son had to suffer all his life...
Themed tour with Frank Merkle M.A.
Date: Sunday, 19.7.2026, 11 a.m.
Duration: approx. 90 minutes
It is symbolic that Athena/Minerva became the much revered goddess of wisdom and the arts as the head birth of her father. The virgin goddess was always depicted heavily armored and armed. Her worship played a role in many areas: in science and crafts as well as among artists of all kinds, doctors and teachers.
Wisdom and intellect were one side of her nature - but like many ancient goddesses, she was extremely easy to offend and woe betide anyone who sought her revenge...!
As the consort of Jupiter, Juno was traditionally assigned female functions such as marriage, childbirth and care. However, she was also known for her jealousy and anger, which mortals and gods alike had to be wary of - especially those involved in Jupiter's amorous escapades. For example, Juno killed Bacchus' mother in her excessive thirst for revenge by means of an intrigue and Jupiter only managed to save the unborn boy through a trick. She also took on the role of the evil stepmother in relation to Hercules, under which Jupiter's son had to suffer all his life...
Themed tour with Frank Merkle M.A.
Date: Sunday, 19.7.2026, 11 a.m.
Duration: approx. 90 minutes
This text was translated by an AI.
