Demosthenes, Cicero and The Comparison of Demosthenes and Cicero Summary and Analysis

Demosthenes was an Athenian politician at the time of the ascent of Philip and Alexander of Macedon. He became best orator of his time, Plutarch writes, by practicing long hours, developing a dramatic, persuasive style.

Demosthenes spoke often in the Athenian assembly against cooperating with Philip, the king of Macedon, fearing his intentions to conquer Athens, and Plutarch credits his influence for the resistance the Greeks showed both to Philip and his son, Alexander. Demosthenes was convicted of submitting to bribery, fined and sent to prison. He escaped and went into exile, but was called back by the Athenian assembly, which dismissed his sentence.

When Antipater, the Macedonian ruler who succeeded Alexander, approached Athens with his forces, he demanded Demosthenes be turned over for his...