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Sights of Interest in Greece
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Areopagus
22-05-2013 16:14The Areopagus, Areios Pagos or Mars’ Hill is a bare marble hill across the Acropolis in Athens. This is the hill of the high court in antiquity and where Paul the Apostle gave his speech introducing Christianity in Athenians. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular places to visitors who want to enjoy the view to both Acropolis and the city of Athens for free.
According to Greek mythology the hill of Areopagus has been given this name because of the trial of Ares the god of war took place on the top of the hill. Ares was tried here by the gods of Olympus for the murder of Poseidon's son Alirrothios. This was the first court formed to hear murder charges. Although the defendant was acquitted, legend says that the hill of Areopagus was the site of many more trials for murders such as Orestes for killing his mother Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus and Ikaros, the famous architect of the legendary Palace of Knossos in Crete for killing his nephew.
Ever since Areios Pagos functioned as the chief homicide court of Athens formed by a council of elders that served as a High Court of Appeals. During the Roman times, Apostle Paul visited Athens and on this same hill is said that he delivered his famous speech to Athenians. The Apostle Paul pointing out the significance of the Athenian altar to the Unknown God he gave his famous sermon: "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." As it was illegal to preach a foreign deity in Athens, his sermon was in fact a combination of a lecture as a guest and a form of trial. According to the Acts of the Apostles, after the sermon, a number of people became followers of Paul. Among them there was a woman named Damaris and Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus. On the rocky hill there is a bronze inscription with Apostle Paul’s sermon.
The hill of Areopagus is located right across of the entrance of the Acropolis and offers magnificent view to Acropolis and the surroundings. The access is free of charge and is accessible any time of the day or night. It is one of the most privileged locations of Athens for hanging out during hot summer nights. Just bear attention to the ancient marbles as they can be slippery. Areios Pagos is the name of the Supreme High Court of Greece.
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