Answer: It’s Athena
Some extra relevant information:
In ancient Greece, the city-state of Athens led the Delian League. The Delian League, also known as the Athenian League, was an alliance of Greek city-states formed after the Persian Wars in the 5th century BC. Its purpose was to defend against future Persian invasions and maintain peace and stability in Greece.
After the successful defense against the Persians, Athens emerged as the dominant power in the region. The city-state took the initiative to form the Delian League, initially consisting of around 150 city-states, but eventually growing to include over 330 members.
Athens, under the leadership of prominent statesman Pericles, became the primary driving force behind the league. The city-state provided naval protection and military aid to member states, using its powerful navy to deter potential aggressors and maintain control over the league.
As time went on, however, Athens began to assert its dominance over the league and use its resources for its own benefit. The treasury of the Delian League, initially located on the island of Delos, was eventually relocated to Athens, further consolidating its control.
The league’s purpose began to shift from defense against Persia to the advancement of Athenian interests. Athens used its power to collect tribute from member states, stripping them of their autonomy and turning the league into an empire under its control.
Although the Delian League was initially intended to foster cooperation and unity among Greek city-states, it ultimately led to a power imbalance and Athens’ eventual conflict with other city-states, particularly Sparta, which led to the Peloponnesian War.
The rise and domination of the Delian League by Athens highlights the complex dynamics of ancient Greek politics and the consequences of unchecked power.