Source edition
Demosthenes. Orationes, Vol. I. Butcher, S. H., editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1903.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a political oration delivered by the Athenian statesman Demosthenes, urging his fellow citizens to recognize and counter the growing threat of Philip II of Macedon. Demosthenes begins by sharply criticizing the Athenians' complacency, which has allowed the crisis to worsen, yet he reassures them that active intervention can still turn the tide. He exposes Philip's duplicity—maintaining a pretense of peace while actively waging war—and contrasts the patriotic vigor of past Greeks with the corruption and apathy plaguing the present cities. Highlighting Philip's devastating new military tactics and the tragic fall of bribed cities, the orator warns of the imminent danger of internal betrayal. Ultimately, Demosthenes delivers a powerful call to action, demanding that Athens fortify its defenses, send embassies to rally Greek and Persian allies, and lead the resistance against the Macedonian expansion.