The Areopagus is a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Its English name is the Late Latin composite form of the Greek name Areios Pagos, translated “Hill of Ares”. In classical times, it was the location of a court, also often called the Areopagus, that tried cases of deliberate homicide, wounding and religious matters, as well as cases involving arson of olive trees. Ares was supposed to have been tried by the gods on the Areopagus for the murder of Poseidon’s son Halirrhothius (a typical example of an aetiological myth).

 ​Its sixteen ancient marble steps can be slippery, especially in the rain, so the visitor should wear anti-slippery shoes!  They lead the visitor to a rectangular terrace. Above it there is a second terrace with several cavities and notches still visible. A large stone, an isolated cube, on the East, probably served as a seat, either to the accused or to the accuser of the court. Another reason to climb the hill is for the view. To the north you can see most of Athens, to the west lies the Aegean sea and the port of Piraeus, while back to the east is a clear view of the Propylaea on the Acropolis.