Abstract
Leaving behind the corpus of hexametric poetry and the archaic period, the investigation of hieros focuses on two cases where the adjective, in the midst of the classical period, attests to the continuity of the idea of the protection of the polis identified in the epic. These are, respectively, the " sacred battalion " of Thebes (hieros lochos) and the " sacred weapons " (ta hopla hiera) of the Athenian ephebes' oath. Next, two files are called to the stand. The first is that of sacred property, whether land, cash or chattels. The second is that of freedoms by consecration. In both cases, the notion of " protection " is once again essential, and its implications are explored.
