Legend has it that Athena and Poseidon had an argument over who would become the dominant deity of Athens, then known as Cecropia. So they decided that they would each present the city with a gift and ask the citizens to decide. Athena presented an olive tree and Poseidon a spring of seawater. The citizens chose the olive tree and Athena became their patron deity. For this reason, the city has been known as Athens ever since. At the center of the pediment, Athena and Poseidon are depicted with their gifts, an olive tree, and saltwater respectively. They are framed by their charioteers, Nike and Amphitrite. Beside them, the two messengers, Hermes and Iris are rushing to announce the end of the contest.