Phocion

AncientGeneralAthens-402 — -318

The Good, anti-Macedonian executed after Athens fell.

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Quick Facts

Born

402 BCE

Died

318 BCE

Country

Athens

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)55

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)44

Leadership (15%)54

Strategy (15%)53

Total Score47.7

Phocion — Complete Timeline

335 BC

Opposition to Demosthenes and the anti-Macedonian factionPolitical Action

Phocion consistently argued against war with Macedon, advocating for peace and cooperation with Philip II and Alexander the Great. He opposed Demosthenes's war policies, believing Athens was too weak to resist Macedonian power. This stance made him unpopular with the democratic faction.

PoliticsAthensMacedonia

322 BC

Defense of Athens against AntipaterWar◆ Major

Phocion led the Athenian resistance against the Macedonian general Antipater during the Lamian War. After the Athenian defeat at Crannon, he negotiated a peace treaty that imposed a Macedonian garrison and oligarchic government. Phocion was appointed as the head of the new government.

Lamian WarAthensMacedonia

Impact: regional

318 BC

Execution by the restored democracyPolitical Action◆ Major

After the death of Antipater, the Athenian democracy was restored under Polyperchon. Phocion was recalled from exile, put on trial for treason, and condemned to death. He was forced to drink hemlock. His execution was later regretted by the Athenians, who gave him a public funeral.

ExecutionAthensTrial

tragic