Moria (tree)

In ancient Greece, the moriai (plural of moria) were olive trees considered to be the property of the state because of their religious significance.

They were called "moriae" (μορίαι), the legend being that they had been propagated (μεμορημέναι) from the original olive which Athena herself had caused to spring up on the Acropolis.

This theory was convenient for their conservation as State property, since, by giving them a sacred character, it placed them directly under the care of the Areiopagus, which caused them to be visited once a month by Inspectors (ἐπιμεληταί, Lys.

Poseidon was the first to present his gift; striking a rock with a powerful blow of his trident, a spring of salt water burst through.

Athena was hailed winner of the competition and was crowned patron goddess and protector of the city (polis) of Attica, whose people adopted the name Athens in her honor.