The Areopagus is a rock to the SW of the Acropolis. Its top was carved flat and level so that the members of the Council of Elders of the Areopagus could group together upon it so as to hold their sessions. This is the most ancient political and judiciary body in the Western World. Its name means "The Rock of Mars." According to a Greek myth, this is where the god Mars himself was brought to Court for the murder of Alirrothios, son of the god Poseidon. Alirrothios had been killed by Mars, because he had raped one of Mars' daughters while she was carrying water from one of river Ilissos' springs (nevertheless, there are more etymological explanations).
Initially, the corpus of Areopagus consisted of the ancient noble men and the very rich who, following their term as Archons (9 noblemen-rulers of Athens), were elected lifelong members of the Council. Later, under Draco, its authority was weakened and was transfered to the jurisdiction of the elected "Boulé of 400" and the Ephetae. What's more, the synthesis of the Aeropagus was altered, now to be determined by elections, so as to have the power of the noble further diminished, since any citizen could be elected. Later, Solon reinstituted Areopagus with greater jurisdiction, both judicatory and political. In Roman times, its jurisdiction was strongly reinforced, to such a degree that the "Ecclesia of Demos" practically lost all power. This was premeditated by the conquerors: it was far easier to control this body than the other much more numerous decision-making authority. Nevertheless, Areopagus always enjoyed very high prestige from the Athenian population.
The actual small hill has a very anomalous flat top consisting of very slippery rock. At one point, there is a protuberance in the shape of an altar, where it is believed that the Altar to the Areia Athena used to be situated.
(Photos by Michael Tziotis)
