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Encyclopedia of Religion entry forAmphictyonic LeagueA union of twelve populations of Northern Greece, "which at stated times met at the same sanctuary to keep a festival in common, and to transact common business " (Seyffert). The league, which was supposed to have been founded by Amphictyon. met either at Delphi or near Pylae or Thermopylae, and protected the sanctuaries there. Each people sent two deputies (" pylagorae ") and two " wardens of holy things " (" hieromnemones "). " When violations of the sanctuaries or of popular right took place, the assembly could inflict fines or even expulsion; and a state that would not submit to the punishment had a ‘ holy war‘ declared against it." The league is not heard of after the second century A.D. See O. Seyffert, Dict. citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney
article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12 |
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