On the Chersonese

Demosthenes' oration, "On the Chersonese," was delivered in 341 BCE and addressed the threat posed by Philip II of Macedon to the Thracian Chersonese, a strategically important region on the Hellespont. In this speech, Demosthenes argued that Philip's actions indicated a clear intent to wage war against Athens and urged the Athenians to abandon their complacency. He emphasized that Philip was actively breaking the peace treaty and that Athens needed to strengthen its naval power and form alliances to counter Macedonian expansion. This oration was a significant part of Demosthenes' broader campaign to rally Greek city-states against Philip's growing power.12