According to Greek mythology, the first city of Athens was Phoenician, founded by King Cecrops.  To name the growing city, the gods held a contest: it would be named after the deity who offered mortals the most useful gift. The deity would, therefore, become the patron god of the newly named city. The contest took place between the god of the sea Poseidon, and the goddess of wisdom Athena. Poseidon produced a spring by striking the ground with his trident, symbolizing naval power.  Athena created the olive tree, symbolizing peace and prosperity. The Athenians accepted the olive tree and named the city after Athena.
During the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), the Athenians were defeated by the Sparta, and Athens fell under the rule of Philip of Macedon, and his son Alexander the Great.  
In 146BC, the Romans defeated the Macedonians in the Battle of Corinth, winning the occupation of Athens.  They remained in control of Athens until 1458, when they were defeated by the Ottoman Empire.  The Acropolis was turned into headquarters for the Turkish ruler, and the Parthenon became a mosque; the Propylaea was used to store gunpowder and explosives, and in 1640, lighting struck it, causing its destruction.  
In 1821, the Greek-speaking people of Peloponnesus revolted against the Ottoman Empire, beginning the Greek War of Independence.  By 1822, the first national assembly met, and the Greek Constitution was adopted.