An ancient Greek association of neighboring states or tribes united around a common religious sanctuary, with shared authority over the sacred site.
From Greek 'amphiktyonia,' from 'amphiktyon' (those dwelling around), referring to communities gathered around shared temples. The Delphi amphictyony was the most historically significant.
The Amphictyonic League at Delphi punished sacrilege so severely—the 'Sacred Wars' were fought because amphictyons felt obligated to avenge violations of the sanctuary—showing how sacred oaths held ancient societies together more than any contract could.
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