Phocis (ancient region)

Phocis was an ancient region in central Greece, bordered by Doris to the north, Boeotia to the east, the Gulf of Corinth to the south, and Ozolian Locris to the west. Its terrain was largely mountainous, dominated by the Parnassus mountain range.

Historically, Phocis played a significant role in Greek history, particularly during the Classical and Hellenistic periods. The region was home to the sanctuary of Delphi, dedicated to the god Apollo and renowned throughout the Greek world for its oracle. This gave Phocis considerable political and religious influence, which often brought it into conflict with its neighbors, particularly the Amphictyonic League.

The Phocians were an independent people, organized into a league of their own. Their economy was primarily agricultural, though control of Delphi brought considerable wealth. The Sacred Wars, fought over control of the Delphic oracle and its treasures, were major events involving Phocis. The Third Sacred War (356-346 BC) saw the Phocians, led by Philomelos and later Onomarchus, seize control of Delphi and use its wealth to build a powerful mercenary army. This conflict ultimately led to Phocis's defeat by Philip II of Macedon and its subsequent decline. The destruction and dissolution of the Phocian cities was ordered after their surrender.

During Roman times, Phocis became part of the province of Achaea. While Delphi continued to be a site of pilgrimage, the region's overall importance diminished. Modern Phocis is a regional unit of Greece, located in the central part of the country. The modern unit covers a larger area than the ancient region.