Source edition
Lysias. Lamb, W.R.M., editor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1930.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a funeral oration dedicated to honoring the Athenian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their city, celebrating their immortal virtue. The oration begins with Athens' mythical past, recalling their defense of justice through events such as the defeat of the Amazons and the burial of the fallen in the Theban expedition, as well as their noble origin of being born from the earth (autochthony). It then chronicles the glorious history of the Persian Wars, highlighting dramatic victories at Marathon and Salamis where Athens fought selflessly for the freedom of all Greece under its democratic system. The narrative extends to more recent conflicts, including the restoration of democracy at Piraeus and the Corinthian War, illustrating the continuous bravery of its citizens. Finally, the orator addresses the grief of the surviving families, emphasizing the city's duty to support them, and concludes with a solemn blessing for the fallen who achieved immortal glory through their virtue.