Athena was credited with several inventions that advanced civilization and made life easier for people. The long list of Athena's inventions illustrates her versatility. Various myths claim that she invented the plow, the yoke, and the bridle. Other inventions included the war chariot, the flute, the trumpet, and the science of mathematics. On a culinary note, she introduced olive oil.

Athena is also said to have overseen the building of the first ship, the Argo, which carried Jason and the Argonauts on the quest for the Golden Fleece. Although some myths deny that this was the first ship ever built, all agree that it was the largest ship ever made.