Demosthenes (c. 384 - 322 BCE) was an Athenian statesman who famously stood against Macedonian king Philip II and whose surviving speeches have established him as one of the greatest patriots and powerful orators from ancient Greece. He is not to be confused with the 5th century BCE Athenian general of the same name.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 384 BCE - 322 CELife of Athenian statesman Demosthenes.
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c. 366 BCEAthenian orator Demosthenes wins his first court case against his own guardians.
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355 BCEDemosthenes begins to deliver speeches in the Athenian assembly.
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c. 347 BCEAthenian orator Demosthenes is sent on a diplomatic embassy to the court of Philip II of Macedon.
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346 BCEDemosthenes gives his 'On the Peace' speech to the Athenian assembly advocating war against Philip II of Macedon.
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342 BCEDemosthenes is charged with organising a league of Greek city-states for war against Macedon.
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338 BCEThe first battle of Chaeronea. Philip II of Macedon defeats the Greek alliance directed against him, led by Athens and Thebes.
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324 BCEDemosthenes is exiled from Athens, accused of taking bribes from Alexander the Great's treasurer Harpalos.
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322 BCEAthenian orator Demosthenes commits suicide to avoid capture by the Macedonians.
