Source edition
Aristides. Vol. 1. Dindorf, Wilhelm, editor. Leipzig: Reimer, 1829.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a powerful political oration urging the formation of an alliance between Athens and Thebes to counter the rapid expansion of King Philip II of Macedon. The speaker sharply denounces Philip's peace proposals and seeming favors as deceptive traps designed to divide and subjugate the Greek city-states. Drawing on the tragic precedents of Olynthus and Phocis, the orator warns that submission to Macedon will lead only to self-destruction. Furthermore, the speech implores both Athenians and Thebans to overcome past conflicts and mutual distrust for the sake of their common freedom and dignity. Finally, invoking historical precedents and the gods of Thebes, the speaker strongly calls for both states to unite in a resolute, joint defense against the common enemy.