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What is Mars Hill?
        MARS' HILL or AREOPAGUS
        This was a rocky height in Athens opposite the western end of the Acropolis. It rises gradually from the northern end and terminates abruptly on the south, over against the Acropolis, at which point it is about 50 or 60 feet above the valley. The court held here existed as a criminal tribunal before the time of Solon, and was the most ancient and venerable of all the Athenian courts. It consisted of all persons who had held the office of archon, and who were members of it for life unless expelled for misconduct. Before the time of Solon the court tried only cases of wilful murder, wounding, poison, and arson, but he gave it extensive powers. The council continued to exist even under the Roman emperors. Its meetings were held on the southeastern summit of the rock. On the eastern and western side is a raised block. From this spot Paul delivered his address to the men of Athens. Acts 17:22-31. He also "disputed" in the "market," or agora, "daily," Acts 17:17, which was south of the Areopagus, in the valley lying between this hill and those of the Acropolis, the Pnyx, and the Museum. "Certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoics" brought him up from the valley, probably by the stone steps, to the Areopagus Hill so that they might listen to him more conveniently. See Areopagus.


Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'mars hill' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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