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Areopagus, Athens

4.6

#3 of 20 in Nature in Attica

Geologic Formation Historic Site

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The Areopagus is a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Its English name is the composite form of the Greek name Areios Pagos, translated "Ares Rock". In classical times, it functioned as the court for trying deliberate homicide. Ares was supposed to have been tried here by the gods for the murder of Poseidon's son Halirrhothius (a typical example of an aetiological myth).HistoryThe origin of its name is not clear. In Ancient Greek, πάγος 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 594 BC, the Areopagus agreed to hand over its functions to Solon for reform. He instituted democratic reforms, reconstituted its membership and returned control to the organization.

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Areopagus Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

652 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.4

146 likes

• By DocZwiebel

  Be careful wwith the stones, they are very slipery from the many feet and people tend to not take care of other there. Otherwise, really ncce place to see Acropolis.  more »

• By Ivica P

  A really well visited place. Many people don't know what actually happened here. This is the place where st. Paul has spoken to the Athenians first time and here was the beginning of the christianity ...  more »

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Google

• By Felicity Seraph Chow

  Great view of the Acropolis... just follow the group of people climbing up the stairs to locate this lookout point :p

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• By Marchand Nicolas

  this place is nice because you have a nice view on the Acropolis and the Agora. If you want to live what the apostle Paul lived here 2000 years ago, read Acts chapter 17 when you are there

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