Demosthenes

Demosthenes was a Greek politician and orator in ancient Athens. He is best known for his role in the Peloponnesian War, in which he led the Athenians against the Spartans. Demosthenes was born in Athens in 384 BC. His father, a wealthy merchant, died when he was young, and Demosthenes was left to the care of his guardians. They squandered his inheritance, and Demosthenes was forced to work as a clerk to support himself. Despite his humble beginnings, Demosthenes became one of the most famous orators in history. He was a master of rhetoric, and his speeches were often so powerful that they could sway entire audiences. Demosthenes was also a skilled politician, and he played a key role in the Athenian victory in the Peloponnesian War. After the war, Demosthenes continued to play a leading role in Athenian politics. He was a strong advocate for democracy, and he opposed the rise of the Macedonian king Philip II. In 338 BC, Philip defeated the Athenians at the Battle of Chaeronea, and Demosthenes was forced to flee Athens. He died in exile in 322 BC. Demosthenes is remembered as