LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Demosthenes
built 200 days ago
When Philip's activities in Thrace reached Byzantium, Athens, anxious for the security of her corn-route, sent aid to the Byzantines, and open war with Philip was begun; Demosthenes was the most influential voice in Athens at this time. In 339 Philip moved south and was at Elatea in Phocis before the end of the year. Demosthenes procured an alliance with the Thebans, and both sides met at Chaeronea in autumn 338, Philip winning a decisive victory. Demosthenes, who was present at the battle, delivered the funeral oration over the dead, a speech which has not survived. There was no need for Philip to impose a direct political settlement on Greece: in most cities pro-Macedonian politicians and policies naturally came to the fore. Despite the defeat at Chaeronea, a battle which Demosthenes had actively sought, his friend Ctesiphon proposed soon afterwards that he should be honoured with a gold crown at the Great Dionysia for his service to the city.
Source:
The first speech of Demosthenes warning against aggression by Philip was made in 351 BC. Though young, Demosthenes courageously spoke first on this issue. He blamed Philip's rise more on Athenian apathy than Macedonian power. Demosthenes proposed the building of fifty triremes to be manned by Athenian citizens with 2,000 men, including 500 Athenians as a raiding force in order to avoid a war of single expeditions that always arrive late, as they had at Methone, Pagasae, and Potidaea. They should not be following in the trail of events like a boxer who covers the body part that has just been hit only to get hit somewhere else, but they should learn to be in front of events. Demosthenes believed that Philip would continue to defy right in stealing their possessions and advance unless his way was impeded.
Source:
Demosthenes holds that anyone who has a desire to learn a knowledge skill is a Lay Member. For practical purposes a Lay Member is usually apprenticed within the one of the Guilds of Brewers, Apothecaries or Scribes where they are trained in the skills of their guild under the tutelage of a master. In very large cities, they may enrol as pupils in the colleges to hear discourse by the Sages and of course any nobleman may hire a sage to instruct him in a knowledge skill. The title by which these laymen go by varies; prentice, essayer, pupil, student, etc.
Source:
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Demosthenes had a reputation for eloquence. He was read more than any other ancient orator; only Cicero offered any real competition. French author and lawyer Guillaume du Vair praises his speeches for their artful arrangement and elegant style, while John Jewel, bishop of Salisbury, and Jacques Amyot, a French Renaissance writer and translator, regard Demosthenes as a great or even the "supreme" orator.
Source:
Demosthenes grew interested in politics during his time as a logographer, and in 354 BCE he gave his first public political speeches. He went on to devote his most productive years to opposing Macedon's expansion. He idealized his city and strove throughout his life to restore Athens' supremacy and motivate his compatriots against Philip II of Macedon. He sought to preserve his city's freedom and to establish an alliance against Macedon, in an unsuccessful attempt to impede Philip's plans to expand his influence southwards by conquering all the Greek states. After Philip's death, Demosthenes played a leading part in his city's uprising against the new King of Macedon, Alexander the Great. However, his efforts failed and the revolt was met with a harsh Macedonian reaction.
Source:
On the second embassy Aeschines told how Demosthenes demanded to speak first as the youngest, which is opposite to the usual procedure, and then flattered Philip in a most servile way. Aeschines described how he himself reasonably presented the Athenian concerns related to Thermopylae, Delphi, and the Amphictyonic states, urging Philip not to use force but accept arbitration. As to causing the collapse of Phocis, Aeschines attributed this to their ten-year-long war, the Phocian tyranny, and the exhaustion of the Delphic funds it had seized. Aeschines ... brought in a witness to testify that Demosthenes had tried to bribe him to say that his wife had been abused by Aeschines. Finally, Aeschines took responsibility for the discussion leading to the peace, but he felt that he was being held responsible for the results expected. Aeschines concluded by calling on the support of Eubulus and Phocion; the respect these men commanded probably helped him gain the narrow acquittal.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Demosthenes