Greece is famous for its tourist attractions, preserved since ancient times.This country provides a unique opportunity to take a closer look to the art and life of the ancient Greeks, to learn about the wonderful traditions and customs.Much attention of tourists from all over the world attracted by the Areopagus.
This place caused the ancient Greeks great reverence.But few people in modern times know what the Areopagus.But its history captivates and makes you wonder.
What Areopagus, what were its functions
So, what does this word mean?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 center of the city.Because the judges could easily see the pagan temples, which inspired them to commit equity.
believed that the meeting of the Areopagus held at night.Do this for any worldly concerns and views of the bustling city not distract judges from their work.
In order to understand better what the Areopagus, we must remember that in those days in ancient Greece was the dominant religion of paganism.Judges hear cases related to blasphemy.They had the right to punish those who do not believe in pagan gods and refuse to worship them.
Areopagus was a symbol of paganism.It was his apostle Paul denounced in his sermons, trying to bring the Athenians to their studies.But only a small part of citizens listened to him.The others were pleased that the apostle Paul took over the court in the Areopagus.But even then he did not want to give up their words.
There is a legend that after Paul's fiery speech during a session of the court, Dionysius, who was a member of the Areopagus, a woman Damaris and several other Athenians abandoned paganism and believe in one God.
origin of the word "Areopagus»
To begin to study the history of this great place, you need to know what the word "Areopagus".Court Athenians got its name in honor of the hill on top of which took place the meeting.
There are several legends explaining the origin of the name of the hill.On one of them in this place come to pass judgment on the ancient Greek god of war Ares.He dared to shed the blood of the son of Poseidon, for which he paid.
According to another legend, the name given to the Amazons, who came from the war, and encamped on the hill.
Some also believed that the name of the hill gave herself Athena, patron goddess of the city, and wisdom.
People and the Areopagus
In order to better understand what the Areopagus, and how important it was for ancient Greece, it is necessary to know what the world-famous people listened to the opinion of the judges to sit on the hill.
After Athens surrendered Macedonia, many suspected members of the Athenians in the Areopagus of sympathy for the invaders.For example, the judges' decision is strongly influenced by Alexander the Great.He forced the members of the Areopagus to recognize that a well-known Greek Demosthenes took bribes and stole precious works of art from Athens.In fact, he was guilty only that opposed Alexander the Great and urged Athenians to reset the oppression of residents of Macedonia.
known philosopher Isocrates spoke positively of the Areopagus.He believed that the judges differed great honesty, justice and faith.Because the philosopher sought to prove that the Areopagus - a perfect trial.
Why visit Areopagus
Currently Areopagus, of course, did not keep the kind which had during its heyday.But all those tourists who know what the Areopagus, can not visit him during a trip to Greece.
Areopagus - is a place that allows you to learn about the past much more than books, documentaries and feature films, museums.The atmosphere pushes on the hill to find out more about this amazing court of ancient Greece.
