Philippica

work by Theopompus of Chios

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July 1, 2026

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The Philippica was a lost work by the Greek historian Theopompus of Chios, written in 58 books. It focused on the reign of Philip II of Macedon but was more of a universal history of Greece and the Middle East during that era. The work covered politics, war, geography, cultural and religious history, and even myths. It included notable digressions, such as an account of the Athenian demagogue and three books on the history of Sicily under the tyrants Dionysius I and Dionysius II. Theopompus clearly favored Sparta and Philip in his writings.12

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Theopompus of Chios
…Greek historian and rhetorician whose Philippica, though lost in its original form, has survived through the work of later writers to form one element in the tradition concerning the reign of Philip II of Macedon. Theopompus was twice exiled from his native town, first as a young man and then…
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…Greek historian and rhetorician whose Philippica, though lost in its original form, has survived through the work of later writers to form one element in the tradition concerning the reign of Philip II of Macedon. Theopompus was twice exiled from his native town, first as a young man and then…
Read More