First Sacred War: What Happened
The First Sacred War was fought around 595 to 585 BC over control of Delphi, home of the most important oracle in the Greek world. The trouble centered on Kirrha, a town near the coast below Delphi that controlled the route pilgrims used to reach the sanctuary. According to ancient accounts, Kirrha was accused of charging pilgrims heavy tolls, mistreating visitors and seizing sacred land belonging to Apollo. The Amphictyonic League, an association of Greek peoples responsible for protecting the sanctuary, declared a holy war against the town. Forces from Thessaly, Sicyon under its tyrant Cleisthenes, and Athens took part, and the Athenian statesman Solon is said to have encouraged the war. After a long siege, Kirrha was destroyed, and its land was dedicated to Apollo and left uncultivated forever. The victory placed Delphi firmly under the protection of the League rather than any single city. It also led to the reorganization of the Pythian Games at Delphi, which became one of the four great Panhellenic festivals alongside the Olympic Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the First Sacred War?
The First Sacred War was fought around 595 to 585 BC over control of Delphi. The Amphictyonic League declared war on the town of Kirrha, accused of mistreating pilgrims and seizing sacred land.
What was the Amphictyonic League?
The Amphictyonic League was an association of Greek peoples responsible for protecting the sanctuary of Delphi and managing its affairs, including the Pythian Games.
Who fought in the First Sacred War?
Forces from Thessaly, Sicyon under its tyrant Cleisthenes, and Athens took part. The Athenian statesman Solon is said to have encouraged the war.
What happened to Kirrha?
After a long siege, Kirrha was destroyed. Its land was dedicated to the god Apollo and left uncultivated forever as sacred ground.
What were the results of the First Sacred War?
The war placed Delphi under the protection of the Amphictyonic League rather than any single city, and it led to the reorganization of the Pythian Games as a major Panhellenic festival.
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