Source edition
Hyperides. Minor Attic Orators, Vol. 2. Burtt, J. O., editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1954 (printing).
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a courtroom oration delivered by the Athenian orator Hypereides in defense of Euxenippus, an ordinary citizen unjustly accused of treason. The speech begins by criticizing the abuse of the impeachment process (eisangelia), which was legally intended for major state crimes but was being misused for trivial matters, such as the interpretation of a temple dream. Mid-way through, Hypereides exposes the falsehoods and contradictions in the accusations, which involve territorial disputes over sacred lands and alleged flattery toward the Macedonian royal family. He argues that the prosecutor is merely exploiting public jealousy of Euxenippus's wealth, citing historical precedents where the Athenian courts protected private property. Ultimately, the orator appeals to the jurors' sense of justice, urging them to reject the unlawful impeachment and render a fair, impartial verdict.