Amphictyony

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An amphictyony (formed from the Greek  ἀμφί amphi- "around ..." and κτίζω ktízō "found, build, live", ie "living around something") was a loose association of cities in ancient Greece , Asia Minor and Etruria on religious terms -cultural base. These city federations initially formed around a sanctuary to protect and administer it. Later the organization of festivals in honor of the deity was added. When and where an amphictyony first appeared is unknown. But there are indications that they existed before the sanctuaries built on urban areas.

A military alliance of Greek cities, on the other hand, is called Symmachie .

The term amphictyony was mainly applied by Martin Noth to the tribal union of pre-state Israel from the time of the Twelve Tribes of Israel . This thesis is now considered outdated.

Amphictyonia in ancient Greece

Members of the Delphic Amphictyony since Emperor Augustus

Early historical examples are the amphictyony around the Poseidon sanctuaries on the Mykale ( Panionion ) and Kalaureia . Amphictyonia existed in Argos , Kalaureia, Onchestos , near Haliartos , on Delos etc. The most important, however, was that of Anthela in Thermopylae , the origin of which is traced back to Amphictyon , the son of Deucalion and Pyrrha , and its seat by myth the influence of the Dorians was later transferred to Delphi . Members of this union were originally the Doloper , Thessalian , Ainian or Oitaier , Magneten , Malier , Phthioten and Perrhäber , who were later also joined by the Phocians , Locrians , Dorians, Boeotians and Ionians in Attica and Evia , so that the number of participants was holy Twelve number reached. Each of the twelve tribes was represented by two ambassadors at the meetings; Furthermore, everyone sent temple messengers ( hieromnemones ) to offer the sacrifices, and porters ( pylagoroi ), who had to keep the peace in the country. The purpose of the covenant was initially to protect the sanctuaries of Demeter in Anthela and Apollon in Delphi, to celebrate certain festivals together, namely the Pythian in Delphi, but then to uphold principles of international law, such as:

  • That none of the amphictyonic cities completely destroyed,
  • none cut off the water and
  • none should be excluded from the communal sacrifice and from the federal shrine.

Two solemn assemblies were held annually, in the spring at Delphi, in the autumn at Anthela near Thermopylae; the former coincided with the Pythian Games . At these meetings, disputes were settled and civil and embarrassing crimes, especially violations of international law and the Delphi Temple, were punished. If the fine imposed on a city was not paid, the federal government could intervene by force of arms. This is shown by its holy wars .

The assembly could also exclude individual cities or entire states from the Federation. Over time, the number of participating states grew to 30; however, the votes were always reduced to the original twelve tribes, so that several Poleis together had only one vote.

history

Amphictyony existed from the earliest beginnings of Hellenic civilization until the fall of Greek freedom, although under some changes. The original twelve peoples remained Confederate until the Third Holy War , after which (346 BC) the Phocians were expelled; likewise the Lacedaemonians because they supported the Phokers. The Macedonians stood up for this under Philip. The Phocians were later resumed as a reward for their bravery shown against the Gauls. Around 221 the Aetolians seized the Delphic temple and completely displaced amphictyony.

Even under Rome's rule, the Amphictyons presided over the Pythian Games. Finally, the covenant is mentioned in the time of the Antonines. Its end is presumably shared with the abolition of the Delphic oracle by Emperor Theodosius I together. The political influence of Amphictyonia was not great in the heyday of Greece; but Hellas owes her, with the protection of his greatest and richest oracle, also the preservation of the unity of the religious cult.

See also

literature

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