What is the Areopagus in Ancient Greece and why it is necessary to visit it?

Greece is famous for its sights, preserved from ancient times. This country provides a unique opportunity to get to know the art and life of the ancient Greeks, learn about amazing traditions and customs. A lot of tourists from all over the world are attracted by the Areopagus.

This place caused great respect to the ancient Greeks . But few people in modern times know what are Areopagus. But his story carries away and makes you think.

What is Areopagus and what were its functions

So, what does this word mean? The Areopagus in Ancient Greece is the supreme court. The meetings were held on a cliff devoid of any vegetation. In Ancient Greece, this hill was located almost in the heart of the city. Therefore, the judges could easily see pagan temples that inspired them to commit justice.

It is believed that the Areopag meetings were held at night. Did this so that no worldly problems and the appearance of a busy city did not distract the judges from their work.

In order to understand better what Areopagus is, it is necessary to remember that in those days in ancient Greece paganism was the dominant religion. The judges considered cases involving blasphemy. They had the right to punish those who do not believe in pagan gods and refuse to worship them.

The Areopagus was a symbol of paganism. It was he who denounced the apostle Paul in his sermons, trying to attract the Athenians to his teaching. But only a small part of the townspeople listened to him. The rest were pleased that a trial in Areopagus took place over the apostle Paul. But even then he did not want to give up his words.

There is a legend that after the fiery speech of Paul during the court session of Dionysius, who was one of the members of Areopagus, the woman Damar, as well as several other Athenians, renounced paganism and believed in one God.

Origin of the word "Areopagus"

In order to begin to study the history of this great place, it is necessary to find out what the word "areopagus" means. The court of the Athenians received such a name in honor of the hill on top of which meetings were held.

There are several legends explaining the origin of the name of the hill. According to one of them, the trial of the ancient Greek god of war Ares took place at this place. He dared to shed the blood of his son Poseidon, for which he paid.

According to another legend, the name was given by the Amazons who came with the war and pitched their camp on this hill.

Some believed that the name itself was given to the hill by Athena, the patroness of the city and the goddess of wisdom.

Famous people and Areopagus

In order to better understand what Areopagus is and what significance it had for Ancient Greece, it is worthwhile to find out which world-famous people listened to the opinion of judges sitting on the hill.

After Athens conquered Macedonia, many Athenians suspected Areopagus members in sympathy for the conquerors. So, for example, strongly influenced by the decision of the judges Alexander the Great. He forced members of Areopagus to admit that the famous Greek Demosthenes took bribes and abducted precious works of art from Athens. In fact, he was to blame only for opposing Alexander of Macedon and urging the Athenians to relieve the oppression of the inhabitants of Macedonia.

The famous philosopher of antiquity Isocrates spoke positively about Areopagus. He believed that the judges were distinguished by great honesty, justice and faith. Because the philosopher tried to prove that Areopagus is the ideal court.

Why visit the Areopagus

At present, the Areopagus, of course, did not retain the species that it had in its heyday. But all those tourists who know what a Areopagus, can not but visit him during a trip to Greece.

Areopagus is a place that allows you to learn about the past much more than books, documentary and feature films, museums. The very atmosphere of the hill pushes us to learn more about this amazing court of ancient Greece.