Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and its recorded history dates back to 3,200 BC. The first inhabitants are believed to be the Pelasgians and later, after the flood of Deucalion, the Ionians(the ancestor Ion was the son of Apollo and Kreousa).
The original name of Athens was Akti or Aktiki, and was taken by its first king, Aktaios. Its second name, Kekropia, was derived from King Kekropas.
Kekropas (Cecrops)
According to legend, the lower part of his body was the same as that of the dragon. During his reign, the goddess Athena and Poseidon vied to protect the city and offered gifts.
Representation of Cecrops
Poseidon struck the rock of the Acropolis with his trident and caused a spring of salt water to gush.
From the blow (the three signs can be seen behind the Erechtheion) jumped the first horse ready to serve the people, while Athena offered an olive tree.
Legend has it that all the men of Athens voted for the gift of Poseidon and all the women voted for the gift of Athena and because women were one more than men as numbers , the goddess Athena was favored and the city took her name.
To protect the city from the pirates of Caria from the sea and the Boeotians from the land, Kekropas divided Attica into twelve regions to better manage the population: Afidnai, Vravrona, Dhekelia, Epakria, Elefsina, Kekropia, Kifia Kythairos, Faliro, Sfattos, Tetrapolis, Thoriko.
Aktaios (Actaeus)
According to Ferekidis, he was the father of Telamon and a friend of Peleus.
According to Pausanias, he was the first king of Attica. His daughter Agravlos married Kekropas, who was placed on the throne of Attica by Kranaos.
The foundation of Athens is lost in the old myths and legends, as it is generally believed to have existed even in the Mycenaean era.
A relief on the interior Telephus frieze of the Pergamon Altar depicting Ajax killing Actaeus and Heloros.
