Warfare > Third Sacred War

Third Sacred War

Background

The Third Sacred War (356-346 BCE) was a significant conflict in ancient Greece that primarily involved the city-state of Phocis and the Amphictyonic League, a religious association of Greek tribes. The war had far-reaching consequences, reshaping the political landscape of Greece and paving the way for the rise of Macedonian power under Philip II.

Background:

1. Amphictyonic League:

   • Religious Association: The Amphictyonic League was an ancient religious and political association of Greek tribes centered around the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi. It had the authority to declare and enforce sacred wars to protect the sanctity of the sanctuary.
   • Members: The League included major Greek city-states and regions, such as Thessaly, Boeotia, and Phocis.

2. Phocis and the Sanctuary of Delphi:

   • Conflict Over Control: Phocis had a longstanding interest in controlling the sanctuary at Delphi, which was both a religious and strategic asset.
   • Fines Imposed: In 357 BCE, the Amphictyonic League imposed a heavy fine on Phocis for allegedly cultivating sacred land. The Phocians, led by Philomelus, refused to pay the fine and instead seized control of the sanctuary at Delphi, triggering the Third Sacred War.

Key Events of the War:

1. Phocian Seizure of Delphi:

   • Occupation of the Sanctuary: In 356 BCE, Philomelus and his Phocian forces occupied Delphi and used the sanctuary’s wealth to fund their military efforts. This act was seen as a sacrilege by many Greek states.
   • Formation of Alliances: Philomelus sought alliances to support Phocis’s cause. Athens and Sparta, both wary of Theban dominance, provided support to Phocis.

2. Amphictyonic League’s Response:

   • Declaration of War: The Amphictyonic League, led by Thebes and Thessaly, declared a sacred war against Phocis to reclaim Delphi and punish the Phocians for their sacrilege.
   • Initial Conflicts: The early years of the war saw a series of battles between Phocis and the forces of the Amphictyonic League. Philomelus was killed in battle in 354 BCE and was succeeded by Onomarchus, who continued the Phocian resistance.

3. Intervention of Philip II of Macedon:

   • Macedonian Involvement: Philip II of Macedon entered the war on the side of the Amphictyonic League. His intervention was motivated by a desire to expand Macedonian influence in central Greece.
   • Battle of the Crocus Field: In 352 BCE, Philip achieved a decisive victory over the Phocians at the Battle of the Crocus Field. This victory solidified his reputation as a formidable military leader and significantly weakened the Phocian position.

4. Continued Conflict and Phocian Collapse:

   • Onomarchus’s Death: Onomarchus was killed in battle, and his successor, Phayllus, continued the resistance with diminishing resources and support.
   • Final Defeat: In 346 BCE, after ten years of conflict, the Phocians were finally defeated. Philip II’s strategic and diplomatic maneuvers, including exploiting divisions among Greek states, led to the Phocian surrender.

Consequences:

1. Macedonian Dominance:

   • Philip’s Ascendancy: The Third Sacred War significantly increased Philip II’s power and influence in Greece. His role as the savior of the Delphic sanctuary and his military successes bolstered his position.
   • Expansion of Influence: Philip’s involvement in central Greek affairs paved the way for Macedonian dominance over Greece, culminating in the formation of the League of Corinth and his leadership in the subsequent conquest of Persia.

2. Decline of Phocis:

   • Punishment and Penalties: The Phocians were severely punished for their sacrilege. They were expelled from the Amphictyonic League, their cities were dismantled, and they were required to pay heavy fines.
   • Loss of Autonomy: Phocis lost its autonomy and influence, becoming a minor power in the Greek world.

3. Reshaping of Greek Politics:

   • Shift in Power Dynamics: The war led to a significant shift in Greek power dynamics. Thebes, previously a dominant force, saw its influence wane, while Macedon emerged as a major power.
   • Prelude to Further Conflicts: The consequences of the Third Sacred War set the stage for future conflicts, including the rise of Macedon under Alexander the Great and the eventual Hellenistic period.

Conclusion:

The Third Sacred War was a pivotal conflict in ancient Greek history, highlighting the interplay between religious authority and political power. It demonstrated the ability of regional conflicts to escalate into broader wars involving multiple Greek states. The war ultimately facilitated the rise of Macedon under Philip II, reshaping the political landscape of Greece and setting the stage for the subsequent era of Macedonian dominance and expansion.

Sources

Aeschines, Speeches

Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca historica

Justin, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus's Philippic History

Polyaenus, Stratagems in War

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Greek Warfare