← Table of contents
The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2)

Note 96 — INTRODUCTION

Evelyn S. (Evelyn Shirley) Shuckburgh translation

Take for instance the oath of the Pylagorae (Aeschin. de Fal. L. 121): “We will destroy no city of the Amphictyony, nor cut off its streams in peace or war; if any shall do so, we will march against him and destroy his cities; should any pillage the property of the god, or be privy to or plan anything against what is in his temple, we will take vengeance on him with hand and foot and voice and all our might.” This is indeed the language rather of a Militant Church than a state; but it is easily conceivable that, had these principles been carried out (which they were not), something nearer a central and sovereign parliament might have arisen.

Explore with AITake your curiosity a little further.

Reading settings