AMPHICTYONIC Meaning and
Definition
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The term "amphictyonic" refers to a historical political and religious confederation known as the Amphictyonic League. Derived from the Greek word "amphiktyones," which means "neighbors," the league was an alliance of Greek city-states that shared a common religious center or sanctuary.
This confederation was primarily aimed at promoting cooperation and unity among its members rather than a centralized government. The Amphictyonic League played a significant role in the ancient Greek world, with its establishment dating back to the pre-classical period.
Amphictyony, the noun form of "amphictyonic," represents the collective action and decisions made within the league. The league's primary responsibilities included the protection and maintenance of the religious sanctuaries, particularly the famous centers of Delphi and Delos. Additionally, it provided a platform for resolving disputes between member states.
The Amphictyonic League operated through general assemblies, comprising representatives from each city-state. Its governance varied depending on the period and the specific circumstances of the league's existence. Over time, it transitioned from strictly religious rituals and responsibilities to assuming political and military roles as well.
While the league lost much of its influence during the Hellenistic period and eventually dissolved with the rise of the Roman Empire, it remains a significant aspect of ancient Greek history and political organization. The term "amphictyonic" serves as a descriptor for the league and its related activities, reminding us of the unique cooperative alliance among early Greek city-states.
Common Misspellings for AMPHICTYONIC
- zmphictyonic
- smphictyonic
- wmphictyonic
- qmphictyonic
- anphictyonic
- akphictyonic
- ajphictyonic
- amohictyonic
- amlhictyonic
- am-hictyonic
- am0hictyonic
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- ampjictyonic
- ampuictyonic
- ampyictyonic
- amphuctyonic
- amphjctyonic
- Amphyctyonic
- Amphectyonic
Etymology of AMPHICTYONIC
The word "Amphictyonic" comes from the ancient Greek term "Amphictyonia" (ἀμφικτυονία), which was the name given to an ancient Greek league or association of neighboring city-states. The term is derived from the Greek words "amphi" (ἀμφί), meaning "around" or "on both sides", and "kytos" (κύτος), meaning "hollow" or "vessel". Combined, the word "Amphictyonia" can be roughly translated as "a league of those who dwell around or on both sides". This term has been anglicized to "Amphictyonic" to refer to anything related to or associated with the ancient Greek league.
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