"Ajax" is a remarkably multifaceted term, with its origins tracing back to Greek mythology where it referred to two prominent heroes of the Trojan War, Ajax the Great and Ajax the Lesser, who were central to Sophocles' ancient tragedy. Beyond antiquity, the name sees extensive modern use across arts and entertainment, identifying numerous fictional characters in Marvel and DC Comics, popular video games like Genshin Impact, and TV series such as Wednesday, alongside various music bands, operas, and record labels.
Crucially, "Ajax" also denotes Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, a foundational web development technology, and is famously associated with AFC Ajax, a renowned Dutch football club. Its diverse applications extend to military contexts, including several Royal Navy and US Navy ships, armored fighting vehicles, and notably, the 1953 Iranian coup d'état known as Operation Ajax. Additionally, "Ajax" identifies numerous places worldwide, an asteroid (1404 Ajax), and several historic automobile brands, underscoring its widespread and varied presence across history and modern culture.