Diomedes at The Louvre, Paris

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In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the palladium or palladion was a revered cult image of immense antiquity whose safety was said to determine that of Troy and later Rome. Pallas Athena's wooden statue (xoanon) was stolen by Odysseus and Diomedes from Troy's citadel and taken by Aeneas to Rome's future site. The Roman account is told in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid, as well as other works. In English since around 1600, the term "palladium" has been employed figuratively to signify anything believed to offer protection or safety, particularly in Christian contexts where a sacred relic or icon is thought to safeguard an entire city, people, or nation. This conviction first gained prominence in the Eastern church following the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and later spread to the Western church. Palladia were carried around besieged cities' walls during processions and sometimes brought into battle. Diomedes, a hero from Greek mythology known for his cunning advised by Zeus, played a significant role in the Trojan War. Born to Tydeus and Deipyle, Diomedes later became King of Argos after succeeding his maternal grandfather, Adrastus. In Homer's Iliad, he is regarded alongside Ajax as one of the greatest warriors among the Achaeans, behind only Achilles in prowess. After founding numerous Italian cities, Diomedes was worshipped as a divine being under various names in Italy and Greece following his death.