Final answer:
Athena competed with Poseidon for the patronage of Athens. The Athenians chose Athena's gift, the olive tree, over Poseidon's spring. This choice reflects the cultural and religious values of Athens, deeply honoring Athena through sculptures and temples such as the Parthenon.
Step-by-step explanation:
Athena competed with Poseidon for the patronage of Athens. According to myth, both deities offered a gift to the city, with Poseidon striking the ground with his trident to provide a spring, and Athena offering an olive tree, symbolizing prosperity and peace. The Athenians favored Athena's gift, leading to her becoming the patron deity of the city. This iconic competition is a fundamental part of the rich tapestry of Athens' history and mythology, symbolizing the city's values and priorities.
The reverence for Athena in Athens was reflected in the abundant representation of her through sculptures and temples, such as the colossal bronze statue of Athena Promachos by Phidias and the temples on the Acropolis including the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena Parthenos. These structures and artworks highlight the importance of Athena in Athenian culture and underscore their dedication to her worship, as well as the extensive resources the city allocated to honor her.