Where Does Athens Get Its Name?

Athens gets its name from the Great Goddess Athena, its patron Goddess and the protector of its heroes during the mythical expedition to Troy.

Athena the virgin was also known as "Athena Polias" or "Athena of the city". She was the daughter of Zeus and was known as a Goddess of War, civilization, the arts and crafts and learning. Athena and the 'Athenai' or sisterhood she presided over are said to have lived in what is now Athens giving the city its plural name.

In other tales of lore the citizens of Athens choose their city's name as Athens after a competition between Athena and Poseidon, to decide the cities patron God ended in Athena being victorious. The winning gift of Athena to the city had been an olive tree.