Definition

1. Noun:
   • The highest governmental assembly in ancient Athens (later a judicial court): The Areopagus was a powerful council and court, originally the aristocratic governing body of Athens, which later evolved into a court with jurisdiction over serious crimes.
   • A hill to the west of the Athenian Acropolis: This rocky hill is the physical location where the council of the Areopagus traditionally met.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Governmental/Judicial Body):

  • The Areopagus tried cases of homicide and impiety.
  • Reforms in the 5th century BCE reduced the political power of the Areopagus.

• Noun (Geographical Location):

  • We climbed the Areopagus for a panoramic view of Athens.
  • The apostle Paul is said to have addressed the council on the Areopagus.

Advanced Usage

• "Before the Areopagus": In a historical or rhetorical context, referring to a formal, weighty, or high-stakes presentation or judgment.
  • His defense was like a speech before the Areopagus, meticulously argued and solemn.

Variants and Related Words

• Areopagite (noun): A member of the Areopagus council.
  • The Areopagite cast his vote on the matter.

Synonyms

• Council (for the governing body sense).
• Tribunal, Court (for the judicial body sense).

Related Idioms

• "To be hauled before the Areopagus": To be brought before a supreme or very authoritative tribunal (used figuratively).
  • The journalist felt he was being hauled before the Areopagus when questioned by the parliamentary committee.

Noun

1. the highest governmental assembly in ancient Athens (later a judicial court)
2. a hill to the to the west of the Athenian acropolis where met the highest governmental council of ancient Athens and later a judicial court