Athena
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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According to Greek legend, Athena had to compete for the role of patron of the Attica region generally and Athens specifically. Poseidon wanted that authority as well so the gods decided that there should be a contest: the role of protector would go to whomever gave mortal men there the best gift. Poseidon struck the rocky ground on the Acropolis with his trident and a salty spring appeared.
Athena, however, brought forth an olive tree. The gods deemed Athena's gift best because it required care, attention, patience, and cultivation from men - it was, in a sense, a symbol of civilization. Thus Athena became the patron of Athens, but the Athenians never forgot Poseidon's interest in them and honored him on the Acropolis as well (their dependence on sea trade didn't hurt, either).
Athens was not the only city that adopted Athens as its protector, but they were unique in the exceptional status they assigned her. Protection of cities was generally accorded to goddesses rather than gods, perhaps in reference to the domestic roles normally a assigned to women and the relationship to defense of home and hearth.
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