The Philippics

orations by Demosthenes

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July 1, 2026

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The term "Philippics" refers to a series of orations delivered by the ancient Greek orator Demosthenes in the 4th century BCE. These speeches were primarily aimed at warning the Athenians about the growing power and imperialistic ambitions of Philip II of Macedon and urging them to take action against him. Demosthenes' fiery rhetoric, intended to rouse his countrymen from inaction, gave rise to the term "Philippic" to describe any long, angry speech or scolding. Later, the Roman statesman Cicero also delivered fourteen orations against Marc Antony, which he titled orationes philippicae, drawing a parallel to Demosthenes' speeches.123

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Demosthenes
Leader of the democratic faction
The Philippics. Early in 351 Demosthenes delivered a speech against Philip, the so-called “First Philippic,” that established him as the leader of the opposition to Macedonian imperial ambitions. For the next 29 years Demosthenes never wavered; as Plutarch says, “The object which he chose for…
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The Philippics. Early in 351 Demosthenes delivered a speech against Philip, the so-called “First Philippic,” that established him as the leader of the opposition to Macedonian imperial ambitions. For the next 29 years Demosthenes never wavered; as Plutarch says, “The object which he chose for…
Read More