History Study Guide

Demosthenes', First Olynthianc

Demosthenes was an ancient Greek orator. Living subsequent years of Athen's golden age, 385 – 322 BC, he encouraged citizens to return to their former habits of courage and self-reliance. His speech, the "First Olynthiac" is taken from The Olynthiacs and Philippics. The oration was delivered in 349 BC, urging the Athenians to assist Olynthus, which had been attacked by Philip of Macedonia. Demosthenes' nemesis, Philip of Macedonia, gradually became over-lord of Greece using military and diplomatic methods. Although provided with warnings of acquiescing to Philip's advances, the people of Athens did not adhere to Demosthenes' words until it was too late.

In 357, two important wars of Greek history were initiated, a Social War and a Sacred War. Both of these conflicts allowed Philip to gain influence over Northern Greece and several of Athen's Aegean allies. Aware of Philip's tactics, Demosthenes' orations were a form of early intervention against the Macedonian threat. Despite Demosthenes' caveat, fellow Athenians were willing to ally with Philip to avoid war. After facing the Battle of Chaeronea, Athens submitted to an alliance much favorable to Macedonia. Athens spent the next twelve years submitting to Macedonian rule.

In "First Olynthiac", Demosthenes forewarned his fellow citizens that, if not careful, they would inherit the wars of their neighbors. He uses wit and sarcasm throughout the oracle to get his point across. To avoid penalty of law, Demosthenes underhandedly expressed his indignity with the higher classes' use of public money. Instead of spending public money on festivals and other personal interests, why not use the funds to raise an army? Building a strong military at such a time seemed more necessary than a festival. Demosthenes had been studying Philip's tactics of war. He knew that much money was needed to prepare for the war ahead.

Sources gave word to Demosthenes that had begun to lose control of certain nations. The