AREOPAGUS (sanctuary in Attica)
Rock outcropping in Athens, associated with ancient legislative and judicial bodies
- Kind of place
- Sanctuary
- Region
- Attica
- Where
- 37.97° N, 23.72° E
The Areopagus served as the location for the trial of Ares before the twelve gods. Apollodorus 3.14.2 The trial of Orestes occurred at this location in Athens. Apollodorus, Epitome 6.25 The Areopagus court was believed to hold ancient jurisdiction over murder cases. Pausanias 4.5.2
Described in the sources
Cephalus faced a trial for killing Procris at this location. Apollodorus 3.15.1 The court at Athens called the Areopagus was located in Athens. Pausanias 4.5.2 The Persians positioned their forces on this hill opposite the acropolis. Herodotus 8.52.1 A man who dined at a cookshop was forbidden from going up to the Areopagus. Athenaeus 13.21 The Areopagus contained altars dedicated to goddesses referred to as August. Pausanias 7.25.2 The Areopagus served as the location where Daedalus was tried for his crime. Apollodorus 3.15.8 Gryllion, who served as a judge on this body, was a parasite of the courtesan Phryne. Athenaeus 13.60 The Areopagus is described as having ancient wisdom regarding the exclusion of certain individuals. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 939-959 The Amazons established their military position around this rock outcropping during their attack on Athens. Apollodorus, Epitome 1.16
Gods and worship
It forbids parricides and polluted men from dwelling within the city. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 939-959
Stories and history
Daedalus was condemned by the Areopagus after his trial. Apollodorus 3.15.8 Zopyrus depicted the Court of the Areopagus on a drinking cup. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 33.55 ¶2 Orestes was acquitted after the votes cast at his trial there were equal. Apollodorus, Epitome 6.25 Perilaus served as the accuser of Orestes during the proceedings held here. Pausanias 8.34.4 The Council of the Areopagus dedicated a bull statue on an unspecified occasion. Pausanias 1.24.2 Ephialtes was chiefly responsible for abolishing the privileges of the Areopagus. Pausanias 1.29.15 The Areopagus judges worked with gynæconomi to inspect private homes and festivals. Athenaeus 6.46 The Persians besieged the Athenians who were defending themselves on this location. Herodotus 8.52.1 Historians claim the Furies' attack on Orestes in Arcadia happened before this trial. Pausanias 8.34.4 Creon relied on the Areopagus's prohibitions to justify his actions against the stranger. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 939-959
Myths set at Areopagus
- Trial of Ares. Ares is brought to trial on a sacred hill after killing a man who tried to assault a woman. He is acquitted by the twelve gods, establishing the hill as a holy tribunal for bloodshed cases. Aeschylus, Eumenides 674-710 +5 Ares
- The Death of Talos. Daedalus kills his nephew Talos out of jealousy over the boy's inventions. He is tried in Athens, found guilty of murder, and condemned. Apollodorus 3.15.8 +2 Daedalus