Areopagus (Mars Hill) (Athens, Greece)
City:
Athens
State, Province, Region, or District:
Country:
Greece
Overview
The Areopagus is a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, rising some 377 feet above the land below. Its English name is the Late Latin composite form of the Greek name Areios Pagos, translated "Hill of Ares" or the Areopagus (Acts 17:19, 22), a combination of the Greek words for “god of war” and “stone”: the Areopagus is literally “Ares’ Rock.” Ares was the Greek god of war and according to Greek mythology, this hill was the place where Ares stood trial before the other gods for the murder of Poseidon’s son Alirrothios. The equivalent to Ares in Roman mythology is Mars. By the time of Paul and the early Christian church, this location was under Roman control, so the spot was known as Mars Hill.
The name Areopagus also referred, in classical times, to the Athenian governing council, later restricted to the Athenian judicial council or court that tried cases of deliberate homicide, wounding, and religious matters, as well as cases involving arson of olive trees. Mars Hill served as the meeting place for the Areopagus Court. Even under Roman rule in the time of the New Testament, Mars Hill remained an important meeting place where philosophy, religion, and law were discussed.
The older Greek term, Areopagus, was still used in Paul’s day, mostly in reference to the council that met there. When Paul gave his famous address on Mars Hill, one could say this occurred both “at” the Areopagus and “in front of” the Areopagus. For the most part, however, the term Areopagus as used in Acts chapter 17 refers to the group of Athenian leaders and thinkers who met on the hill.
Alternate Names
Mars Hill, Areios Pagos ("Hill of Ares"), Areopagus (“Ares’ Rock”)
Geography & Location
The Areopagus is a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, rising some 377 feet above the land below.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
The Aeropagus
Architecture
The Areopagus today likely has a somewhat different appearance from that of the 1st century, since it was badly damaged in 1651 by a major earthquake that destroyed the Church of St. Dionysius on its lower slope.
Biblical & Historical References
Acts 17:16-34 details Paul's arrival in Athens, his reaction to the city's idolatry, his interactions with philosophers, and his sermon at the Areopagus.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
See the article: The Apostle Paul and the Unknown God.
Etymology
Its English name is the Late Latin composite form of the Greek name Areios Pagos, translated "Hill of Ares" or the Areopagus (Acts 17:19, 22), a combination of the Greek words for “god of war” and “stone”: the Areopagus is literally “Ares’ Rock.”
Site Visit
As one begins the ascent to the Acropolis, on the left is a limestone out-cropping of rock known as the Hill of the Areopagus.
Places of Interest
Acropolis - The Acropolis offers breathtaking views and houses iconic structures like the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Theatre of Dionysus, and the Erechtheion.