Orations: Demosthenes

Demosthenes is one of the 10 greatest orators and logographers included in the Alexandrian Canon compiled by Aristophanes of Byzantium and Aristarchus of Samothrace. He is generally recognized as the greatest of ancient Greek orators. Cicero acclaims him as "the perfect orator",[ His orations constitute the last significan expression of the Athenian intellectual prowess and provide us a thorough insight into the life and culture of Athens of this historical period. Demosthenes idealized his city and strove, during his entire life, to restore Athens' supremacy and to motivate his compatriots against Philip II of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great.