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Glite Dictionary
amphictyony

amphictyony

9.9
A group of nearby cities or tribes that join to protect and manage a shared religious site
  • noun
  • /æmˈfɪk.ti.ə.ni/
  • Specialized
: anfictión
  • In ancient Greece, the amphictyony brought together various tribes to cooperate in defense and religious matters.

Examples

  • The Delphic amphictyony played a significant role in maintaining peace among the Greek city-states.

  • Membership in the amphictyony granted states influence over religious festivals and oracles.

  • Scholars often reference the amphictyony to explain the origins of some early federal systems.

  • The amphictyony was formed to protect the sacred site.

  • In ancient Greece, an amphictyony played a vital role in politics.

  • The Delphic amphictyony was crucial in organizing the Pythian Games held in honor of Apollo.

  • Each member of the amphictyony had a say in the management of the sanctuary at Delphi.

Surface Forms

amphictyony singular
amphictyonies plural

Etymology

Amphictyony comes from Greek parts amphi- 'around', the same start you see in amphibian, and -ctyony from a word for 'neighbor' or 'one who lives near'. So an amphictyony was a group of neighboring states who 'lived around' a sacred site and came together to protect and manage it.