Demosthenes the Orator

When Demosthenes (384-322 BC) was a youth in ancient Athens, no one could have believed that he would become the greatest of the Greek orators. He had a speech impediment, and people jeered at his stammering when he addressed his first large public assembly.

Demosthenes, the son of a wealthy swordmaker, was orphaned when he was only 7. His guardians so misused his estate that little was left when Demosthenes came of age. Seeking justice, he boldly pleaded his own case and won some damages. He was not yet an outstanding speaker, however. To learn to speak distinctly, he talked with pebbles in his mouth and recited verses while running. To strengthen his voice, he spoke on the seashore over the roar of the waves.

Demosthenes’ diligent work was successful. By the time he was about 25 he had entered public life. He had won popularity and power when King Philip of Macedon was beginning the conquest of Greece. Realizing the peril, Demosthenes made eloquent appeals for his countrymen to unite and preserve their freedom. These powerful orations against Philip were known as philippics, a term still in use to describe any impassioned denunciation or tirade.

The Athenians were too late in heeding Demosthenes ‘ warnings. Then he was falsely accused of taking a bribe. He was fined and imprisoned but escaped into exile. After his final effort to obtain freedom for Greece failed, he swallowed poison from his pen.

A fine bust of the most famous Greek Orator made of fine bonded marble coated with a special marble patina