Areopagus is the name of a rock formation close to the Acropolis, in Athens, Greece. In Greek, the hill is called Areios Pagos, the hill of Ares. The name was also used for the Athenian council that was held there. It was the oldest known institution of Athens. After the Battle of Marathon (which the Greek won against the Persians) a runner ran from Marathon to Athens. Legend has it, that the runner died, after telling about the Greek victory, on Areopagus.