Phocis
A region of central Greece whose chief distinction was containing Delphi, the most important oracle and religious centre in the Greek world.
The Story of Phocis
Phocis was a relatively small territory in central Greece, but its significance was immense because it contained Delphi, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The Delphic Oracle, where the Pythia delivered Apollo's prophecies, was consulted by kings, generals, and colonists from across the Mediterranean before any major undertaking. The sanctuary grew fabulously wealthy from the offerings of grateful (or anxious) suppliants, and its treasuries held dedications from cities throughout the Greek world. Phocis twice became embroiled in Sacred Wars when it was accused of cultivating sacred land belonging to Apollo. In the third Sacred War, the Phocians seized Delphi's treasury to fund mercenary armies, an act of sacrilege that gave Philip II of Macedon the pretext to intervene in Greek affairs — a turning point that led to Macedonian dominance. Mount Parnassus, towering over the region, was sacred to Apollo, Dionysus, and the Muses.
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