A beautiful area

In the beautiful land of Attica, there was a blessed place that did not yet have a name. The people who lived there were hardworking and full of love for their land, but they wanted to find a patron god for their city, someone who would provide them with prosperity and strength.

Appeal to the Gods

The inhabitants of the area decided to seek the help of the gods to give their city a name and find a god who would protect and guide them. So they prayed to the gods of Olympus and asked for their help.

The decision of Zeus

Zeus, the king of the gods, heard their prayers and decided that a suitable god should be found for this city. So he called upon two powerful gods, Athena and Poseidon, to present a gift to the people. The gift that would be the most useful and valuable to the city would grant its god the honor of being its protector.

The duel of the gifts of the gods took place on the rock of the Acropolis, a sacred and beautiful hill overlooking the city. Present were King Kecropa, the wise and just leader of the region, and the people of the city.

The Gift of Poseidon

First came Poseidon, the god of the sea. With a strong movement of his trident, he struck the ground and from there a spring of salt water sprang up. The people and King Kecropa were impressed by Poseidon's power, but the water was not fit to drink or water their fields.

The gift of Athena

Then came Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy. She stood before the people and Kecropa and gently struck the ground with her spear. From there, a beautiful olive tree grew. The people and the king admired Athena's offering, as the olive tree gave them fruit for food, oil for cooking and lighting, and wood to make tools and houses.

The people, along with King Kekropas, were delighted with Athena's gift, which was valuable and useful for their daily lives. Thus, they decided to honor her and make her the patroness of their city. They named the city Athena, in honor of the goddess who offered them a gift full of prosperity and wisdom.

Erechtheion

On the rock of the Acropolis, where the duel of the gifts took place, a sanctuary was built in honour of Athena and Poseidon, the Erechtheion. This sanctuary became a symbol of the city and its history. The Erechthion includes both the sacred olive grove of Athena and the spot where Poseidon struck the trident, showing the balance and respect for the two gods.

Every time the Athenians look at the olive trees that grow around their city, they remember Athena and her love for them. With her wisdom and protection, the city of Athens became one of the most brilliant and powerful cities of ancient Greece.

Thus, the myth of how Athens got its name teaches us the value of wisdom and giving, and reminds us that good choices can bring prosperity and happiness.