Third Sacred War: What Happened
The Third Sacred War was fought from 356 to 346 BC over control of the sanctuary of Delphi. It began when the Amphictyonic League, the council responsible for protecting Delphi and dominated by Thebes, imposed a huge fine on the Phocians for farming sacred land. Unable or unwilling to pay, the Phocians, led by Philomelus, seized Delphi itself. To pay for their war, they took the sanctuary's vast treasures of gold and silver offerings and used them to hire large mercenary armies. The conflict drew in much of Greece. After Philomelus died, his successor Onomarchus won notable victories, including against Philip II of Macedon. But in 352 BC, Philip defeated and killed Onomarchus in Thessaly at the Battle of the Crocus Field. The war dragged on until 346 BC, when Philip marched south and forced Phocis to surrender. The Phocian cities were broken up, and Phocis was ordered to repay the stolen treasure. As a reward, Philip took over Phocis's seats on the Amphictyonic Council. The war gave Macedon a powerful voice in the affairs of Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Third Sacred War?
The Third Sacred War was fought from 356 to 346 BC over control of Delphi. It began when the Phocians seized the sanctuary after being fined by the Amphictyonic League.
Why did the Phocians seize Delphi?
The Amphictyonic League, dominated by Thebes, imposed a huge fine on the Phocians for farming sacred land. Unable or unwilling to pay, they seized Delphi under their leader Philomelus.
What did the Phocians do with Delphi's treasures?
The Phocians used the sanctuary's vast treasures of gold and silver offerings to hire large mercenary armies, which shocked much of the Greek world.
What was the Battle of the Crocus Field?
In 352 BC, Philip II of Macedon defeated and killed the Phocian leader Onomarchus in Thessaly at the Battle of the Crocus Field, a turning point in the war.
How did Philip II benefit from the Third Sacred War?
After forcing Phocis to surrender in 346 BC, Philip took over its seats on the Amphictyonic Council, giving Macedon a powerful voice in Greek affairs.
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