During ancient times the Areopagos served as the meeting place for the Areopagus, or the council of elders of the city. Members of the council were from the upper class and served as judges for the chief homicide court. They dealt mostly with cases involving premeditated murder. The Greeks believed that these cases had to be held out in the open to prevent the "pollution" of the the murder's mind from penetrating the minds of others. The Areopagus also had some religious duties, such as overseeing the care of the olive trees of Athena. It is also the site where Apostle Paul is said to have delivered his Areopagus sermon.
Although historians have generally accepted the Areopagos as the meeting place of the Areopagus, this assumptions has recently come into question, with many archaeologists and topographers now stating that the Areopagos could not have been a conducive spot for the council to meet. New evidence suggests that the meeting place of the council was located elsewhere.
The journey to the top of the Areopagos was quite treacherous. The stones have been rubbed so smooth, almost like glass, from the millions of people who have visited this spot over the years. While some modern stairs have been added, if you want to reach the top it requires the use of the original stairs, a little climbing, and a few prayers. The views from the top are worth it though.
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