Areopagus

[ar-ee-op-uh-guhs]

noun

1. a hill in Athens, Greece, W of the Acropolis.

2. Greek History.,  the council that met on this hill, originally having wide public functions but later becoming a purely judicial body.

3. any high tribunal.

Areopagus

/ ˌærɪˈɒpəɡəs /

noun

1. 1. the hill to the northwest of the Acropolis in Athens

   2. (in ancient Athens) the judicial council whose members (Areopagites) met on this hill

2. literary,  any high court

Word History and Origins

Origin of Areopagus¹

< Latin < Greek Áreios págos hill of Ares

Word History and Origins

Origin of Areopagus¹

via Latin from Greek Areiopagus, contracted from Areios pagos, hill of Ares

Example Sentences

Aeschylus’ “Oresteia” concludes with “Eumenides,” depicting the establishment of the Areopagus court to replace cycles of vengeance, thus mythologizing the roots of jury trials.

Read more on Salon

There already existed a sort of council of elders, called the Areopagus,* which consisted of senior ex-politicians and functioned as an aristocratic court of appeal.

Read more on Literature

In recognition of his merits, civic rights and the membership of the Areopagus were conferred upon him.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

The Areopagus was a Court of Justice, the chief court in Athens; and one of its duties was, to pay particular attention to all matters relating to religion, or the worship of the gods.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

He therefore sent her to the Areopagus, that assembly of very wise judges.

Read more on Project Gutenberg