Warfare > Second Sacred War

Second Sacred War

Background

The Second Sacred War (449-448 BCE) was a conflict in ancient Greece that primarily revolved around the control and sanctity of the Delphic Oracle. This war was part of the larger backdrop of the power struggles among Greek city-states during the Classical period.

Background

• Delphic Oracle: The Oracle of Delphi was one of the most significant religious sites in ancient Greece, dedicated to the god Apollo. It held immense religious, political, and cultural importance, as people from all over the Greek world came to seek guidance from the Pythia, the priestess who delivered the oracle's prophecies.

• Phocian Control: The region of Phocis, where Delphi was located, traditionally controlled the sanctuary. However, control of Delphi was highly coveted due to its religious significance and influence.

Causes of the War

• Dispute Over Control: The Second Sacred War was triggered by a dispute over the control of the Delphic sanctuary. The Phocians were accused of misappropriating funds from the temple and other acts of sacrilege, leading to tensions with other Greek states, particularly the Thebans.

• Spartan Intervention: The Spartans, known for their military prowess and often acting as the protectors of the Greek religious sanctuaries, intervened in the conflict to support the Delphians against the Phocians.

Key Events

• Spartan Campaign: The Spartans, led by their king, dispatched an army to Delphi. They successfully expelled the Phocians and restored the sanctuary to the Delphians. This intervention was swift and decisive, showcasing Spartan military strength and their role as upholders of religious sanctity in Greece.

• Restoration of Order: After the Spartans restored the Delphians to control of the sanctuary, the Amphictyonic League, a council of Greek tribes responsible for the oversight of the Delphic sanctuary, affirmed the decision. This restoration was seen as a victory for the Spartans and their allies.

Consequences

• Temporary Peace: The Spartan intervention and the resolution of the conflict brought a temporary peace to the region. However, the underlying tensions among Greek city-states remained, contributing to the continuous cycle of conflicts in ancient Greece.

• Spartan Prestige: The successful intervention bolstered Spartan prestige and influence in Greece, reinforcing their position as protectors of Greek religious sites and traditions.

• Phocian Resentment: The Phocians, having been expelled from control of the sanctuary, harbored resentment. This resentment would later play a role in future conflicts, including the Third Sacred War (356-346 BCE), where the Phocians once again sought to control Delphi.

Historical Significance

The Second Sacred War illustrates the complex interplay of religion, politics, and military power in ancient Greece. Control of religious sanctuaries like Delphi was not only a matter of spiritual significance but also of political influence and prestige. The war also highlights the role of the Spartans as key players in maintaining religious order and their ability to exert influence over other Greek states.

Matthew Dillon (1997), Pilgrims and Pilgrimage in Ancient Greece, 51.

Thucydides, I, 112 and Plutarch, Pericles, XXI.

Greek Warfare