May 19, 2021 · According to Apollodorus, the king had named the city Cecropia after himself, while its previous name was Acte. Nevertheless, the city had not officially received the protection of a god, and, consequently, its name could still change.

Sep 16, 2021 · According to Greek mythology, the present capital of Greece is named after the goddess Athena, who prevailed in the confrontation with the sea god Poseidon. A special court was set up on the top of Acropolis Hill and a vote followed for the new patron god of the city.

Jun 8, 2024 · The initial name of Athens was “Coast” or “Aktiki,” and it was taken from the first king of the land, King Aktaio. Afterwards, as the city continued to grow, Aktaio’s successor, King Cecrops, named the city after himself.

Mar 11, 2025 · Many historians believe that Athena was actually named after the city of Athens. But today we are going to explore the myth surrounding the naming of the city. Before Athens met its glory, it was called Cecropia.

The Athenians, under their ruler Cecrops, accepted the olive tree and named the city after Athena. (Later the Southern Italian city of Paestum was founded under the name of Poseidonia at about 600 BC.)

Feb 4, 2025 · The name Athens, or Athina in modern Greek (Αθήνα), is directly linked to the goddess Athena. The ancient Greek name was actually Athênai (Ἀθῆναι), the plural form of Athêna /Αthina.

Mar 4, 2025 · The Origins of Athens’ Name. While the myth attributes the city’s name to Athena, linguistic evidence suggests a more complex etymology. The Greek name for Athens is Ἀθῆναι (Athēnai) . It is a plural form, likely derived from a pre-Greek root …

Jan 23, 2025 · The straightforward answer to why the city is called Athens and not Athena is this: Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, and not the other way around. The city’s name is a plural form, derived from the goddess’s name, signifying the city’s dedication to her.

Athena vs Poseidon: Why is Athens called Athens? Athens was one of the most powerful and important city states in the ancient Greek world. Many people know that the city was named after the Goddess Athena, but why exactly was that?

According to legend, Athens was named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. The myth narrates a contest between Athena and Poseidon, the god of the sea, to determine who would become the patron deity of the city.