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 an oration in the form of a letter addressed by King Philip II of Macedon to the citizens of Athens. The author lists and severely criticizes numerous violations of peace treaties and hostile acts committed by the Athenians. In the opening section, specific illegal acts, such as the imprisonment of Macedonian heralds and secret communication with the Persian king, are condemned. In the middle section, Philip asserts his own legitimacy regarding disputes over areas like Cardia and Peparethos, and criticizes the double standards of Athens while urging a resolution through arbitration. In the final section, he refutes Athens' unjust claims to Amphipolis and lambastes their rejection of peaceful and legal settlements. Ultimately, Philip declares his historical and legal righteousness, concluding with a firm resolve to defend his kingdom against Athenian aggression.