Areopagus

hill, Athens, Greece

Also known as: Hill of Ares

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July 23, 2026

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The Areopagus is a hill in Athens, Greece, that historically served as the meeting place for Athens' earliest aristocratic council. This council, also known as the Areopagite Council, likely began as advisors to the king and evolved to exercise significant authority, including acting as a court for murder trials and holding "guardianship of the laws".12

While the council's powers fluctuated over time, notably being reduced in 462 BCE, it retained jurisdiction over homicide cases. The Supreme Court of Greece still bears the name Areopagus. The hill itself is named after Ares, the Greek god of war, and is located northwest of the Acropolis.13

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On the Hill of Ares, the god of war, to the right of the descent from the Propylaea, a legendary jury of gods spared Ares from execution for the murder of the sea god Poseidon’s son. Trials for homicide continued to be heard on this hill through…
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On the Hill of Ares, the god of war, to the right of the descent from the Propylaea, a legendary jury of gods spared Ares from execution for the murder of the sea god Poseidon’s son. Trials for homicide continued to be heard on this hill through…
Read More

Areopagus
…name was taken from the Areopagus (“Ares’ Hill”), a low hill northwest of the Acropolis, which was its meeting place.
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…name was taken from the Areopagus (“Ares’ Hill”), a low hill northwest of the Acropolis, which was its meeting place.
Read More