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 an accusatory speech delivered in ancient Athens, targeting corn dealers who engaged in illegal hoarding and price manipulation. The accuser begins by explaining the circumstances that led him to bring charges against the dealers before the Council, and initiates a direct cross-examination of the defendants. He vigorously refutes their defense claim that they hoarded the grain under the orders of city officials. The speech goes on to expose the malicious practices of the dealers, who conspired to raise prices within a single day, exploiting the city's food crisis for their own profit. Finally, the speaker strongly urges the jury to find the defendants guilty in order to protect the livelihood of the citizens and the interests of honest importing merchants.