Why is Athena so important to the people of Athena?

She is so important because she watchs over them. But if you are talking about the greek city, ATHENS, then it is obvious since ATHENS was named after ATHENA. In greek mythology, the wisdom goddess Athena and the sea god Poseidon had a rivalry rooting from who the town (now known as athens) would be named Patron of the new city. Athena and Poseidon agreed to have the people decide by giving the newly born city one gift from each of them. Poseidon gave a salt water spring and Athena gave them an olive tree. Athenas gift was deemed much more useful therefore she won.