Areopagus Hill
Athens, Greece
About Areopagus Hill
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. (Acts 17:22-23 NIV)
Areopagus Hill, also known as Mars Hill, is the location where the Apostle Paul gave one of his most important speeches. It is a bare, solid marble hill that is located adjacent to the entrance of the Acropolis.
Legend
According to Greek mythology, this hill got its name from Ares, the god of war, who was tried here by the council of gods for the murder of Halirrhothios, son of Poseidon. The council accepted his defence of justifiable homicide on the grounds that he was protecting his daughter, Alcippe, from unwanted advances.
History
In ancient times, this was a meeting place where philosophy and law were discussed. It was also home to a council of elders, called Areopagites who had previously served as chief magistrates in Athens. Over the centuries, the council had many changing roles, one of which was judging homicide cases and other serious crimes.
Paul’s Sermon of an Unknown God
In Roman times, Apostle Paul delivered his famous sermon to the Athenians and some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus and a woman named Damaris (Acts 17:34).
Interesting Facts
- Areios Pagos means the “rocky hill of Ares”. It was referred to as “Mars Hill” as this was the Roman name given to the Greek god of war.
- Dionysius became the patron saint of Athens.
- There is a bronze plaque commemorating the Apostle’s sermon situated at the foot of the rock.
