Areopagus, << `ar` ee OP uh guhs, >> was the oldest and most respected council of ancient Athens. Prominent citizens who held the office of archon, one of the highest offices in the Athenian city-state, were members of the Areopagus for life.
In early Athenian history, the Areopagus had administrative and constitutional powers. About 600 B.C., a new group, the Council of the Four Hundred, took over many duties of the Areopagus. About 450 B.C., most of the remaining duties and privileges of the Areopagus were transferred to large people’s courts. But the Areopagus continued to try murder cases and retained the power to fine citizens found guilty of extravagance, insolence, or intemperance. The council was named for the Areopagus, or Hill of Ares, where it held meetings.
