The Areopagus, or Hill of Ares, is located in the North-West from the Acropolis in classical times functioned as the highest court of appeal for criminal and civil cases in Athens.

Origin of name not known. According to the legend, this hill was held the trial of the war-God Ares, who was accused of killing the son of Poseidon. However, he was acquitted by the Supreme Council of the gods. It is believed that after this it began to obey murder cases. Perhaps this is where the hill got its name.

Until the 5th century BC.e. The Areopagus was the Council of elders of the city, something like the Roman Senate. As in the Senate, its membership was limited to those who have held high public office, the so-called archons. Typically, membership was for life, new candidates were proposed and elected by the Areopagus. In 594 BC.e. the power of the Areopagus was limited by the reforms of Solon (Athenian politician, lawmaker and poet, one of the "seven sages" of Ancient Greece). In 462 BC.e. Ephialtes (Athenian statesman) reformed, according to which almost completely eliminated the political power and influence of the Areopagus in favor of dikasteria (trial by jury). In the conduct of the Areopagus were only functions of the court for serious criminal offences. This caused a wave of discontent among the Athenian aristocracy. In the 4th century the Areopagus has acquired a new function – the investigation of corruption, although the major powers remained in the ecclesia (people's Assembly). The Areopagus continued to function in Roman times.

The term "Areopagus" means a judicial body of aristocratic origin, who later formed the basis of the Supreme civil and criminal court of modern Greece.

Known this hill and the fact that it was made by Paul from his famous speech about "the Unknown God".

Today, the Areopagus is one of the favorite places for tourists, it offers a spectacular view of the city and the Acropolis.