The temple of Athena Nike is a symbol of Athens’ multiple military victories. It is an Ionic temple built to replace earlier structures on the same spot. It was a linchpin of the Acropolis fortification system because the bastion allowed the defenders to strike at the attackers’ exposed right-hand side long before they could reach the main gateway (ancient hoplites held their shield in their left arm, thus leaving their right side exposed to the enemy). The temple was notable for its rich decoration. The east frieze (mainly in the British Museum in London) showed the weighing of souls (psychostasia). The other sides were dedicated to scenes from the Persian Wars. The wooden cult statue of Athena in the interior depicted the goddess holding a pomegranate as a symbol of eternal life. She wore a helmet (symbol of the city’s military prowess), but she had no wings. A story popular among the Athenians claimed that the statue was deliberately deprived of wings so that victory could never leave the city. The temple was dismantled twice in the modern era before scientists restored the original design.