- Third Philippic
The Third Philippic was delivered by the prominent Athenian statesman and orator,
Demosthenes , in341 BC . It constitutes the third of the fourphilippic s.Historical Background
In
343 BC , the Macedonian arms were carried across Epirus and a year later Philip turned his military activities towardsThrace .Demosthenes, "Third Philippic", [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0070;query=section%3D%23348;layout=;loc=9.16 17] .] When the Macedonia army approached Chersonese, the Athenians got anxious about the future of their colony. An Athenian general,Diopeithes , ravaged the maritime district of Thrace, an offensive resulting in Philip's rage. The King sent a letter of remonstrance to Athens, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Athenian troops from Cardia, which was occupied by the Macedonian army.Demosthenes, "Third Philippic", [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0070&query=section%3D%23366 35] .] Because of this turbulence, ecclesia convened and Demosthenes deliveredOn the Chersonese , convincing the Athenians, who would not recall Diopeithes.Content of the speech
Within the same year, Demosthenes delivered the "Third Philippic". Putting forth all the power of his eloquence, he demanded resolute action against Philip and called for a burst of energy from the Athenian people. Macedon and Athens were already de facto belligerent parties, since the Athenians were financing Diopeithes,Demosthenes, "Third Philippic", [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0070&query=section%3D%23403&layout=&loc=9.71 72] .] who was launching attacks against allied cities. Most importantly, Philip was the first who violated the terms of the
Peace of Philocrates and Athens was just defending its legitimate rights.Assessments
The Third Philippic is considered the best of Demosthenes' political orations,K. Tsatsos, "Demosthenes", 245.] because of its passionate and evocative style."The Helios".] From the moment he delivered the Third Philippic, Demosthenes imposed himself as the most influential politician of Athens and the suzerain of the Athenian political arena. He takes the offensive and devitalizes the "pacific" and pro-Macedonian faction of Aeschines. In the Third Philippic, the unchallengeable and passionate leader of the anti-Macedonian faction gives the signal for the Athenian uprising against Philip.
ee also
*
First Philippic
*Second Philippic References
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