All important treaties and decisions in Greece were approved with the participation of the Delphic priests. They were asked for advice on controversial issues. The priests were very influential due to their spiritual and material wealth. In addition to Amphictyonia, there were other unions in Greece, such as the Lacedaemonian and Athenian Symmachia. The Lacedaemonian Symmachia united the cities of the Peloponnese under the leadership of Sparta. All cities had one vote, and decisions were made by a majority. Such alliances helped cities defend themselves, negotiate and live in peace.
In ancient Greece, there were alliances of cities that helped each other defend themselves from enemies. One of these unions was the Athenian, or Delian, Symmachia. It included the cities that paid a contribution to the general treasury on the island of Delos. Athens played a major role in the alliance.
Over time, the Delian Symmachia turned into an Athenian state, or arche. However, relations with another major alliance, the Lacedaemonian Symmachia, which was led by Sparta, were hostile. This led to the long and bloody Peloponnesian War.
Conflicts between cities and polises were resolved with the help of ambassadors. In ancient Greece, they were called messengers or elders. Usually, the ambassadors were chosen from respected and wealthy citizens. They had to be eloquent and have Proxenoid friends in other cities. Sometimes actors became ambassadors. For example, the famous orator Aeschines was an actor and represented Athens before the Macedonian king Philip II. The actor's skill helped the ambassadors to speak convincingly at large gatherings.
The number of ambassadors was not strictly defined. All of them were considered equal, but later the main ambassador appeared – the arch-queen. Money was allocated for the maintenance of the ambassadors, and they were also given letters of recommendation to the proxenos in the city where they were going. Ambassadors played an important role in the life of the ancient Greeks. They helped negotiate peace, trade, and defend their cities.
The ambassadors were important people who represented their countries in other cities. They had strict instructions, but they could act on their own. Arriving at the place, the ambassadors went to the main man of the city, who was engaged in diplomacy. They showed him their documents and received advice. After a few days, the ambassadors told the people or important people about the purpose of their visit. Then discussions began or a special commission was created to consider the issue.