Pamboeotia (Ancient Greek:Παμβοιώτια) was a major festivepanegyris of all theBoeotians, celebrated probably annually. The grammarians compare the Pamboeotia with thePanathenaea of theAtticans, and thePanionia of theIonians.[1] Though probably quite older than this, even primitive, the festival is celebrated with the name "Pamboeotia" only starting in the 3rd century BC.[2][3] The festival was celebrated in the tenth month of theBoeotian calendar,Pamboiotos, at a temple ofAthenaItonia in the neighborhood ofCoronea.
The principal object of the meeting was the common worship ofAthenaItonia.[4][5] Activities included dancing and music and athletic events of a somewhat militaristic character, such as spear-throwing, trumpeting, heralding, mock battles, and horse racing.[3] The priestess of the shrine was appointed by theBoeotian League.[6]
A depiction of a Pamboeotia festival can be seen on alekane in theBritish Museum, on which men approach an altar ofAthena that is covered in flame. Some of the men are leading an ox to sacrifice to the goddess. Before these men is a woman bearing on her head a platter of offerings.[7]
FromPolybius it appears that during this national festival no war was allowed to be carried on, and that in case of a war a truce was always concluded.[8] This panegyris is also mentioned byPlutarch.[9] It is a disputed point whether the Pamboeotia had anything to do with the political constitution of Boeotia, or with the relation of its several towns toThebes; but if so, it can have been only previous to the time when Thebes had obtained the undisputed supremacy in Boeotia.[10][11] Some writers think it likely that this was the occasion on whichBoeotian representatives to theDelphicAmphictyonic League were elected.[12]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Pamboeotia".Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. London: John Murray.