some more to answer #3

In Greek mythology, Athens was built by the semi-god Cecrope, who was half man and half snake. As the first king, Cecrope unified the populations of the Attic villages of the Acropolis and asked the gods for a sign of their protection.

Poseidon, god of the sea, and Athena, Zeus's daughter and goddess of wisdom, fought over who would give them a sign. Poseidon struck a rock with his trident; the rock released seawater and a horse that could run faster than the wind. Athena planted the first olive tree, a tree that for centuries would give mankind a delicious juice that could be used to prepare food, heal wounds and diseases, and give light. Naturally, Cecrope declared Athena the winner. Athena became the city's protector and namesake, and the Parthenon was built in her honor. Built near the very first olive tree, the Parthenon became a symbol of Greek culture, freedom and peace.

Another myth says that Theseus, son of Egeo and Etra, chief of the expedition to Crete, defeated and killed the Minotaur to free the city of Athens from the yearly human sacrifice. Theseus was able to leave the labyrinth only thanks to a string-which he had tied around the branch of an olive tree.