Final answer:
In the legendary competition between Poseidon and Athena over who would become the patron deity of a new city, Athena was chosen as the winner by the city's citizens due to her gift of the olive tree, thus the city was named Athens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The competition mentioned is a famous story in Greek mythology. It was a contest between Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, over who would be the patron deity of a newly built city. Poseidon struck a rock with his trident and produced a spring of salt water, while Athena gifted the citizens with an olive tree, a symbol of peace and prosperity.
The king of gods, Zeus, decided that the citizens of the city should choose the winner. They chose the olive tree of Athena, considering it more valuable than Poseidon's salt water spring. Thus, Athena won the competition, and the city was named Athens in her honor.
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