The " Second Philippic" is an oration that was delivered by the Athenian statesman and orator Demosthenes between 344–343 BC. The speech constitutes the second of the four the orator is said to have delivered.
Historical background
In 344 BC, Demosthenes barnstormed
Peloponnese,
[Demosthenes, Second Philippic, 19.] in order to detach as many cities as possible from Macedon's influence. Nonetheless, his mission mainly failed, since most of the Peloponnesians saw Philip as the guarantor of their continued freedom and independence.
[T. Buckley, Aspects of Greek History 750-323 BC, 480.] They did not consider that the freedom of Greece was directly linked with the Athenian power, especially as the Athenians were allies of the
. Thereby, Philip and certain Peloponnesian cities, including
Ancient Argos,
Messinia and Arcadia, sent a joint embassy to Athens to express their grievances.
Athens' position was tough, since they wanted to keep their friendship with
Sparta, but, at the same time, they did not want to accuse Philip of violating the Peace of Philocrates.
Content of the speech
In response to the complaints of the Peloponnesian cities, Demosthenes delivered the Second Philippic, a vehement attack against Philip and his Athenian supporters. The most serious accusation against the King of Macedon is that he violates the terms of the peace of 346 BC.
[Demosthenes, Second Philippic, 1.] According to Demosthenes, his countrymen were misled by Philip's friends, who convinced them that the King of Macedon would save the Phocians and humiliate Thebes. Nevertheless, this oration is not as passionate as the "
First Philippic", since Demosthenes prefers to foster caution.
[ The Helios.]
See also
External links
