Histories

This was the beginning of the Aeginetans' long-standing debt of enmity against the Athenians. The Epidaurians' land bore no produce. For this reason they inquired at Delphi [22.5167,38.4917] (Perseus) Delphi concerning this calamity, and the priestess bade them set up images of Damia and Auxesia,[*](The name Damia is probably connected with da= (=gh=), Earth; Auxesia clearly with au)ca/nw. They were goddesses of increase and fertility.) saying that if they so did their luck would be better. The Epidaurians then asked in addition whether they should make the images of bronze or of stone, and the priestess bade them do neither, but make them of the wood of the cultivated olive.

So the men of Epidauros [23.0917,37.6] (Perseus)Epidaurus asked the Athenians to permit them to cut down some olive trees, supposing the olives there to be the holiest. Indeed it is said that at that time there were no olives anywhere save at Athens [23.7333,37.9667] (Perseus)Athens.

The Athenians consented to give the trees, if the Epidaurians would pay yearly sacred dues to Athena, the city's goddess, and to Erechtheus. The Epidaurians agreed to this condition, and their request was granted. When they set up images made of these olive trees, their land brought forth fruit, and they fulfilled their agreement with the Athenians.