Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 17:19

19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

The city of Athens was divided into five Wards, or parts; one of which was called Areopagus, from the Temple of Mars, which stood upon an hill in it; nigh unto which Temple, or in some part of it, was their chiefest Court kept; and here they judged of all Religious Affairs: here they condemned Diagoras, Protagoras, and Socrates; and hither they bring Paul, tho rather to enquire of him (there being the resort of Learned men) concerning his Doctrine, than to condemn him for it.

Marginal references: Or, Mars hill. It was the highest Court in Athens.