Aias

Aias, the transliteration of the ancient Greek name Αἶας, is the source of the English name Ajax and is used in various mythological and organizational contexts. In Greek mythology, two heroes bear the name: Ajax the Great and Ajax the Lesser.

Ajax the Great, also called Telamonian Ajax, is one of the principal Greek warriors in the Trojan War. He is celebrated for strength, prowess in battle, and steadfastness. In the Greeks’ stories, his career is closely tied to the larger conflict surrounding Achilles, including a famous dispute with Odysseus over the armor of Achilles and the events that follow Achilles’ death. Depending on the source, Ajax’s end is portrayed as a fall from favor that culminates in his death, by suicide or divine intervention, underscoring themes of pride, honor, and punishment in ancient myth.

Ajax the Lesser, the son of Oileus, is a lesser-known figure who leads Locrian forces and appears as a companion to the Greek contingent at Troy. He is typically portrayed as a swift and capable fighter, but his prominence is eclipsed by Ajax the Great in classical literature.

AIAS is also an acronym for the American Institute of Architecture Students, a national organization for architecture students in the United States. AIAS operates in affiliation with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and offers resources, design competitions, scholarships, and professional development opportunities to student members.