Athens Day One

          After some much needed relaxing in Marmaris, Turkey and Rhodes, Greece, it seemed like a long travel day to Athens, even though it was probably our shortest one. Although I have been getting accustomed to the smaller, remote cities of Turkey like Assos and Pamukkale, I do enjoy the metropolitan area of Athens. Although it is more modernized today and has lost some of it's historical buildings and neoclassical styles, it is still steeped in rich ancient culture and history.  

           We visited Mars Hill that looked honestly just like a huge rock, but it's history of justice makes it fascinating. In classical times, Mars hill was known as the Areopagus and functioned as the chief homicide court of Athens. The name Areopagus is derived from the myth that Ares or Mars, the god of War, was tried here by the gods for the murder of Alirrothios, Poseidon's mortal son. This is an interesting case because it demonstrates that even the god's are subjected to the justice system and do not have free will to do whatever they want. 

           Another legend claims that the trial of Orestes for killing his mother and lover, Clytaemenstra and Aegisthus, took place on Mar's Hill. In our readings of Aeschylus, Orestes flees Mycenae to take refuge in Athena's temple. There she administers justice by demonstrating the athenian trial system with twelve jurors. Her tie-breaking vote for Orestes' sets him free and she appeals to the Furies by giving them a place of glory in Athens. Considering that Mar's Hill just below the acropolis where Athena's glorious temple was built, it would be logical that the trial took place on this location. 

           It is also said that Paul, one of the twelve Apostles, delivered his speech about "the Unknown God," on the Areopagus. Paul noted that the Athenians were very religious and had many objects of worship and altars. One in particular that he noticed had an inscription "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD," he was there to proclaim the unknown God to them. The Athenians were interested and brought him to Mar's Hill to learn about the strange ideas that Paul was teaching. Although some rebuked his claims, others believed in the resurrection of Jesus and became believers and followers. 

           After visiting Ephesus and now arriving in Athens, it's mind-blowing to see the distance that Paul traveled to preach about Christianity and the impact that he must of made. Although he did not convert the masses, he still made a crack in the pagan worshiping society that would soon fall and be converted into a Greek Orthodox state. Similarly to the Christians in Pergamon, it must of been really difficult for Paul to teach about Christianity among the pagans. Also, I wonder how he traveled such a long distance. Obviously by boat? Or maybe he went all the way around traveled down from the north of Greece. Did he walk too? It's so interesting to me to think about because i dread traveling by bus, so i can't imagine walking.  

           I wouldn't however mind walking around the agora, even though women were not permitted. Public meetings such as those to discuss ostracism were held in the agora. The jury ballot was an intriguing system where people would put their name in a slot and there would be coordinating red and white balls on each row. Then whichever row had the white ball drop were the jury for that particular case. The process of picking the assembly (i think it's called) was also systematic. There were 10 provinces and each would pick 50 men to go to the agora and vote and give their opinions about the state of affairs for 36 days. Boys went to the agora to learn how to be good Athenian men. They learned the qualities of leadership, rhetoric, and heroism.