Demosthenes

Demosthenes delivered his first speech against Philip II of Macedon, warning Athenians of the threat posed by Macedonian expansion. He urged Athens to take military action and prepare for war, marking the beginning of his lifelong opposition to Philip.

Demosthenes fought as a hoplite in the Athenian army at Chaeronea against Philip II of Macedon. The decisive Macedonian victory ended Greek independence and established Macedonian hegemony. Demosthenes fled the battlefield, but continued to resist Macedonian rule.

Demosthenes delivered his most famous speech, 'On the Crown,' defending his political career against attacks by Aeschines. The speech successfully argued for his patriotic service and resulted in Aeschines' exile, solidifying Demosthenes' reputation as Athens' greatest orator.

Demosthenes was accused of accepting bribes from Harpalus, Alexander's fugitive treasurer. He was convicted, fined 50 talents, and imprisoned. He later escaped and went into exile, a major setback in his political career.

After Athens' defeat in the Lamian War, Demosthenes was condemned to death by the pro-Macedonian regime. He fled to the Temple of Poseidon on Calauria and took poison to avoid capture, ending his life as a symbol of resistance to Macedonian domination.