How Athens, got its name? The king of Athens, cecrops wanted a patron deity. The two Olympian gods interested were Poseidon and Athena. Cecrops invited the contestants to use their power to create something useful for Athens. Poseidon immediately used his trident to hit the ground and well formed. The water in the well however was salty and cannot be used. Cecrops turned to Athena and she struck her spear in to the ground kneeled and planted an olive tree which was a symbol of peace and prosperity to the earth. Cecrops was impressed and named the city Athens after Athena. Poseidon however was pissed and cursed the city to never have water availability which is still believed to be the reason for the water shortage in Athens even now...
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 17:47:30 +0000