Which council was composed of wealthy Athenian aristocrats ruling over the phratries?

The Areopagus was an important governing council in ancient Athens, consisting primarily of wealthy aristocrats. It was named after a rocky outcrop located northwest of the Acropolis, where the council met. The Areopagus played a crucial role in the early political structure of Athens, especially during the time of its development into a democracy. The members, typically former archons (magistrates), held significant power in legislative and judicial matters, particularly in areas of homicide and religious issues.

This council exemplified the influence of Athens’ aristocratic class and was instrumental during a time when power dynamics began shifting toward broader participation in government, though the Areopagus itself remained firmly in the hands of the wealthier classes. By understanding the historical context and the role of the Areopagus, it becomes clear why it is identified as the council of wealthy Athenian aristocrats ruling over the phratries, which were social divisions crucial for religious and civic duties in Athens.