The Areopagus or Mars Hill is a bare marble hill next to the Acropolis in Athens. It is especially popular with travelers for its connections with a speech made by Paul the Apostle.

In the Bible

The Areopagus, like most city-state institutions, continued to function in Roman times, and it was then that the Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech about the identity of "the Unknown God." According to the biblical account (Acts 17):

History of Areopagus (Mars Hill)

In pre-classical times (before the 5th century BC), the Areopagus was the council of elders of the city, like the Roman Senate. Like the Senate, its membership derived from those who had held high public office, in this case that of Archon. In 462 BC, Ephialtes put through reforms which deprived the Areopagus of almost all its functions except that of a murder tribunal.

In classical times, the Areopagus functioned as the chief homicide courtof Athens. At the foot of the Areopagus was a templededicated to the Erinyes, where murderers could find sanctuary.

Myth and Mystery

According to Greek mythology, Ares (the god of war, known to the Romans as Mars) was tried here by the gods for the murder of Poseidon's son Alirrothios. It is this legend that gives the hill its various names. Another legend says that the hill was the site of the trial of Orestes for killing his stepmother and her lover, Clytemnestra and Aegisthus.

What to See at Areopagus (Mars Hill)

The Areopagus is a bare marble hill across from the entrance to the Acropolis. Its ancient marble steps can be slippery, especially in the rain. Wear appropriate shoes! Near the base of the stairs is a bronze plaque with the Greek text of Paul's sermon. At the top there are nice views of the Acropolis.

Quick Facts on Areopagus (Mars Hill)

Site Information
Names:	Areios Pagos · Areopagus (Mars Hill) · Hill of Ares
Country:	Greece
Categories:	biblical sites; New Testament
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	37.972460° N, 23.722132° E
Address:	Athens, Greece
Lodging:	View hotels near Areopagus (Mars Hill)

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Athens: Ancient Monuments - Frommer's Greece
2. Areopagus - Wikipedia
3. Areopagus (Mars Hill) - Holy Land Photos
4. The Council of the Areopagus - Demos: Classical Athenian Democracy
5. Mars Hill - David Padfield
6. Paul's Mars Hill Appeal - Let Us Reason

More Information

• Photos of Areopagus (Mars Hill) - here on Sacred Destinations