Discover the Greek Gods
At the top of the Acropolis in Athens (Greece), is an olive tree that is a symbol of reverence and gratitude to the goddess Athena, founder of the city
The legend says, that Zeus proposed a contest between Athena and Poseidon for the possession of Athens. Poseidon raised up his trident, smashed it upon the hard rock of the Acropolis and out a salt spring sprang.
Athena produced an olive tree, with its branches full of fruits. This event between the two powerful gods was immortalized in stone, on the West pediment sculptures of the Parthenon.
Athenians chose Athena’s gift: the leaves were used to crown the heads of victorious athletes, generals and kings, the wood used to construct houses and boats, as fuel to lamps and it was applied to the skin of Olympic athletes.
A Temple to Athena Polias (‘of the city’) was built c.525BC housing a cult statue inside made from olive wood and a reserved area created for Athena’s sacred olive tree.
Nowadays in Athens, Greece...
