Areopagus

The Areopagus or Areios Pagos (Greek: Άρειος Πάγος) is the 'Rock of Ares', north-west of the Acropolis, which in classical times functioned as the high Court of Appeal for criminal and civil cases in Athens. Ares was supposed to have been tried here by the gods for the murder of Poseidon's son Alirrothios (a typical example of an aetiological myth). In The Eumenides of Aeschylus (458 BC), the Areopagus is the site of the trial of Orestes for killing his mother (Clytemnestra) and her lover (Aegisthus).

Phryne, the hetaera from 4th century BC Greece and famed for her beauty, appeared before the Areopagus accused of profaning the Eleusinian mysteries. Legend has it that she let her cloak drop, so impressing the judges with her almost divine form that she was summarily acquitted.

The origin of its name is not clear. In Greek pagos means big piece of rock. Areios could have come from Ares or from the Erinyes, as on its foot was erected a temple dedicated to the Erinyes where murderers used to find shelter so as not to face the consequences of their actions. Later, the Romans referred to the rocky hill as "Mars Hill," after Mars, the Roman God of War. Near the Areopagus was also constructed the basilica of Dionysius Areopagites.

In pre-classical times (before the 5th century BC), the Areopagus was the council of elders of the city, similar to the Roman Senate. Like the Senate, its membership was restricted to those who had held high public office, in this case that of Archon. In 462 BC, Ephialtes put through reforms which deprived the Areopagus of almost all its functions except that of a murder tribunal in favour of Heliaia.

In an unusual development, the Areopagus acquired a new function in the 4th century BC, investigating corruption, although conviction powers remained with the Ecclesia.

The Areopagus, like most city-state institutions, continued to function in Roman times, and it was from this location, drawing from the potential significance of the Athenian altar to the Unknown God, that the Apostle Paul is said to have delivered the famous speech, "Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands." ( Acts 17:24)

The term "Areopagus" also refers to the judicial body of aristocratic origin (the power of which was enhanced by Solon) that subsequently formed the higher court of modern Greece.

view from areopagus.]]
Athens view from areopagus.

Footnotes

External links

  • Acts 17:16-34 A Biblical account of St. Paul discussing with the Areopagus the nature of the Christian God. Also referred to is the story concerning the altar to "The Unknown God." See also: Agnostics
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Truman W.
14 June 2017
Great views of the city and even of the Agora! Just be careful of the very slippery rocks when shuffling about taking photos!
Sidira Kuria
4 September 2021
Except for its history, it has an excellent view of Athens and ancient agora especially at night. Crowded at summer nights, usually with juvenile. Also for romanticists.
Visit Greece
24 January 2014
Areios Pagos is the most ancient law court in the world. According to legend, the first "murder case", at which the twelve Gods of Olympus tried Aris, took place at the top of this hill!
Stacy Bo Bacy
15 August 2019
Best view in Athens. Watch out as you step on the rocks; they’re slippery.
Fatima Al Hashimi
14 May 2015
Climb this hill for great views of the city & the historical sites around. Nice to sit & chill.
Miguel Lombrigo
10 September 2014
Be careful of your staff!!!!Nice place for couples and for take a selfie with Acropolis!!!but have a open eyes!!!!
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