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The
Amphictyonies emerged in the 7th century BC as a result of the aggregation in
the sanctuary of Demeter at Anthele near Thermopylae, of neighboring tribal
groups in Central Greece and Thessaly. Delphi then joined in this institution
as well.
Etymologically
the term is composed of the prefix "amphi-" and the word
"ktoina" which means settlement. The word "Amphictyon" therefore means "someone who lives around, a
neighbor".
It should be
noted that the term "Amphictyony"
is an institution so old, that the founding of the first Amphictyony is
confused with legend. The myth claims that it had been founded by "Amphictyon", son of Deucalion and
Pyrrha and brother of Hellen, the common ancestor of all Greeks. "The legendary origin of the institution
definitely has deeper significance because in this way the ancient Greeks
obviously wanted to symbolize their national unity" (P. Aloupi). In
our days the word "Amfiktionies" is used by most that speak English..
The Delphic Amphictyony,
which took place twice a year, was a conference event where the league of the
then twelve tribes of Central Greece and Thessaly participated.
The conference,
which had enormous political and religious power, was attended by the "Hieromnemones", i.e. the 24
permanent members, who were elected by lot from the 12 tribes of the
Amphictyony (each tribe had two votes), the "Pylagores", a "Secretary"
(elected) and a "Preacher".
The Aphictyones
representatives, having both judiciary power and possibly following the ancient
written laws of "Amphictyon"
(based on "Dionysius of
Halicarnassus"), solved disputes and regulated relations between the
city-states of the then known world. This means that the Amphictyonies of
ancient Greece, by establishing the first rules of International Law, may be
soundly paralleled to the League of Nations and the UN.
Therefore, we
hope that the messages of the amphictyonic conference through the Pythian
utterances, being a beacon of spiritual guidance of mankind, will always show
us the most suitable route to progress in our society.
(Konstantinos Paparrigopoulos "History of the
Greek Nation - Second Book, Prehistoric Times." Vassilios Ch. Petrakos
"Delphi". Peter Kalonaros "History of the City of Amfissa".
http://history-pages.blogspot.gr/2012/04/blog-post_5489.html Takis Efthymiou
"Voice of Phocis"). (AMPHICTYONIES OF ANTHELE AND DELPHI, P. Aloupi).