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 attention of tourists from all over the world is 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 captivates and makes you think.
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.
In order to understand better what Areopagus is,we must remember that in those years in ancient Greece, the dominant religion was paganism. 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 was accused by the Apostle Paul of preaching, trying to attract the Athenians to his teaching. But only a small part of the townspeople listened to him. The rest were pleased that the trial of the apostle Paul took place in Areopagus. But even then he did not want to give up his words.
There is a legend that after the fiery speech of Paul inthe time of the court hearing 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.
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 explainingorigin 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.
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, manyAthenians 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 acknowledge 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 Isokrat philosopher of antiquity is positivespoke about Areopagus. He believed that judges were distinguished by great honesty, justice and faith. Because the philosopher sought to prove that Areopagus is the ideal court.
At present, the Areopagus, of course, has not preservedthe kind he had in his 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 aboutthe past is 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.
