Athens
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(city of Minerva) (Acts 17:15) — the ancient capital of Attica, in Greece, situated on the Saronic Gulf, 46 English miles east of Corinth, 5 English miles from the coast. The city was famous not only politically and for its military might, but also for the eloquence, literature, and learning of its inhabitants. The city of Athens was, by tradition, founded by Cecrops 1,500 years before Christ. St. Paul the Apostle visited Athens around the year 52 A.D. and found the population sunk in idolatry and idleness.
He preached here and rebuked their superstitions, for which he was brought to trial before the Areopagus. In the Book of Acts the Athenians are described as people who most delighted in spending their time telling or hearing something new (Acts 17:21).