Third Sacred War

E13960

The Third Sacred War was a major conflict in ancient Greece (356–346 BCE) sparked by disputes over control of the Delphic sanctuary, drawing in many Greek city-states and reshaping the balance of power in the region.


Statements (50)
Predicate Object
instanceOf ancient Greek war
sacred war
aftermath contributed to conditions leading to the Battle of Chaeronea (338 BCE)
paved the way for Philip II’s dominance in Greece
chronologicalOrder third of the Sacred Wars fought over Delphi
commander Onomarchus
Pammenes of Thebes
Phayllus
Philip II of Macedon
Philomelus
conflictIn Classical Greece
economicAspect Phocians seized Delphic treasures to fund mercenaries
endTime 346 BCE
hasParticipant Amphictyonic League
Athens
Boeotians
Locrians
Macedon
Phocians
Sparta
Thebes
Thessaly
location Boeotia
Delphi
Locris
Phocis
Thessaly
central Greece
mainCause dispute over control of the Delphic sanctuary
fine imposed on Phocis by the Amphictyonic League
opponent Macedon under Philip II
Phocian League
Theban-led coalition
politicalSignificance reshaped the balance of power among Greek city-states
religiousAspect centered on control of the Delphic Oracle
sanctity of Apollo’s sanctuary used as justification for war
result Macedon admitted to the Amphictyonic Council
Phocian cities dismantled
Phocians disarmed and dispersed into villages
Phocis expelled from the Amphictyonic League
decisive victory for Philip II of Macedon and his allies
decline of Theban power
defeat of Phocis
increase of Macedonian influence in Greek affairs
weakening of many central Greek city-states
significantBattle Battle of Chaeronea (352 BCE)
Battle of Crocus Field
Battle of Neon
Battle of Orchomenus (352 BCE)
startTime 356 BCE


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