Areopagus

The Areopagus, situated on (and named after) Ares' Hill beside the Acropolis, was originally a council of nobles who gradually deprived the king (basileus) of all power, changing rule of Athens to an oligarchy. Instead of the king, it elected nine archons to run the city state. Its powers repeatedly waxed and waned. In 462 Ephialtes deprived the Areopagus of most of its powers leaving it jurisdiction over homicide.

Also see: House of Atreus feature

4 Tribes of Athens