Warfare > First Sacred War

First Sacred War

Background

The First Sacred War (circa 595-585 BCE) was an early conflict in ancient Greece primarily centered around the control of the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. This war is significant for its demonstration of the religious and political dynamics of early Greek history, as well as the cooperation between various Greek city-states in a common cause.

Background and Causes:

1. Delphi and the Sanctuary of Apollo:

   • Religious Significance: The sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi was one of the most important religious sites in ancient Greece. It housed the famous Oracle of Delphi, where the Pythia, the priestess of Apollo, delivered prophecies.
   • Economic and Political Importance: Delphi's sanctuary attracted visitors and pilgrims from across the Greek world, bringing considerable wealth and influence to the city. Control over the sanctuary meant control over these resources and the prestige associated with it.

2. Conflict with Crisa:

   • Crisa's Control: The nearby town of Crisa (or Krisa), located in the plain below Delphi, controlled access to the sanctuary. The Crisaians exploited their position by imposing heavy tolls and taxes on pilgrims and visitors traveling to Delphi.
   • Abuse of Power: Crisa's exploitation and mistreatment of pilgrims provoked outrage among other Greek states and the Amphictyonic League, an association of tribes and city-states that managed the affairs of the sanctuary.

Participants and Alliances:

1. Amphictyonic League:

   • Coalition Against Crisa: The Amphictyonic League, led by Thessaly and including other Greek city-states such as Athens and Sicyon, formed a coalition to address Crisa's abuses and secure free access to the sanctuary of Delphi.

2. Crisa:

   • Defensive Position: Crisa, benefiting from its control over the region, defended its position and sought to maintain its lucrative dominance over the access routes to Delphi.

Course of the War:

1. Initial Conflicts:

   • Siege and Battles: The war involved several sieges and battles as the Amphictyonic forces attempted to subdue Crisa. The specifics of these engagements are not well-documented, but the coalition's efforts were directed at breaking Crisa's control over the sanctuary.

2. Destruction of Crisa:

   • Fall of Crisa: The coalition forces eventually captured and destroyed Crisa. The town was razed, and its lands were consecrated to Apollo, ensuring that no one could rebuild the city.
   • Securing Delphi: With Crisa's destruction, the Amphictyonic League secured free access to Delphi for all Greek states, reaffirming the sanctuary's status as a pan-Hellenic religious center.

Consequences and Legacy:

1. Religious and Political Impact:

   • Free Access to Delphi: The destruction of Crisa ensured that pilgrims could visit Delphi without interference, enhancing the sanctuary's standing and influence.
   • Amphictyonic League's Role: The successful resolution of the conflict bolstered the authority and prestige of the Amphictyonic League, highlighting its ability to manage and protect important religious sites.

2. Development of Pan-Hellenic Identity:

   • Cooperation Among City-States: The cooperation among various Greek city-states during the First Sacred War set a precedent for future collective actions in defense of shared religious and cultural values.
   • Strengthening of Delphi: The war reinforced Delphi's central role in Greek religion and culture, promoting a sense of pan-Hellenic identity centered around common religious practices and institutions.

3. Long-term Effects:

   • Foundation for Future Conflicts: The resolution of the First Sacred War established patterns of alliances and conflicts that would reappear in later Greek history, particularly in the subsequent Sacred Wars.
   • Cultural Memory: The war was remembered as an early example of Greek unity in the face of a common threat, contributing to the mythos of collective action in defense of religious sanctity.

Conclusion:

The First Sacred War was a significant early conflict in ancient Greek history, driven by the desire to protect the sanctity and accessibility of the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. The war highlighted the importance of religious and economic control over important sites and the willingness of Greek city-states to cooperate in defense of shared values. The destruction of Crisa and the subsequent free access to Delphi reinforced the sanctuary's pan-Hellenic significance and set a precedent for future collective actions among the Greek states.

Sources

Forrest, G G., “The first Sacred War”, BCH 80 (1956), 33-52.

Jannoray, J., “Krisa, Kirrha et la première guerre sacrée“, BCH 61 (1937), 33-43.

An Epitome of the Civil and Literary Chronology of Greece. By Henry Fynes Clinton. Pg 92.

Mayor, Andrienne. Greek fire, poison arrows, and scorpion bombs: Biological and chemical warfare in the ancient world. The Overlook Press, Peter Mayer Publishers, Inc., 2003. ISBN 1-58567-348-X. pages 100–101.

Greek Warfare