On the Navy Boards

oration by Demosthenes

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July 1, 2026

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The oration "On the Navy Boards" was delivered by Demosthenes in 354 BCE. This speech was a significant success and helped persuade the Athenian Assembly to strengthen their naval forces. Demosthenes argued that Athens should build up its defenses quietly to deter potential aggression from the Persian King. He also proposed a plan for revising the taxation of wealthy citizens to fund the navy.1

This speech marked a key moment in Demosthenes' career, establishing a theme of Athenian independence and readiness for defense that he would champion throughout his public life. It also revealed his inclination for careful financial planning in his proposals for raising funds for ships.1

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Demosthenes
Demosthenes as speech writer
The speech, “On the Navy Boards,” was a marked success. The Assembly or Ecclesia (Ekklēsia), a legislative body composed of all adult male Athenian citizens, had convened to consider a rumoured threat against Athens by the King of Persia. Demosthenes’ tightly reasoned oration helped persuade the Athenians…
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The speech, “On the Navy Boards,” was a marked success. The Assembly or Ecclesia (Ekklēsia), a legislative body composed of all adult male Athenian citizens, had convened to consider a rumoured threat against Athens by the King of Persia. Demosthenes’ tightly reasoned oration helped persuade the Athenians…
Read More