The ''Fourth Philippic'' is a speech attributed to the Athenian statesman and orator,
Demosthenes
Demosthenes (; ; ; 384 – 12 October 322 BC) was a Greek statesman and orator in ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide insight into the politics and cu ...
and given in 341 BC. It constitutes the last of the four
philippic
A philippic () is a fiery, damning speech, or tirade, delivered to condemn a particular political actor. The term is most famously associated with three noted orators of the ancient world: Demosthenes of ancient Athens, Cato the Elder and Cic ...
s. Modern scholars, however, consider that the speech is not Demosthenes' work and may be attributed to
Anaximenes of Lampsacus
Anaximenes of Lampsacus (; ; 320 BC) was a Greek rhetorician and historian. He was one of the teachers of Alexander the Great and accompanied him on his campaigns.
Family
His father was named Aristocles (). His nephew (son of his sister), was also ...
who frequently wrote imagined dialogues or speeches for real figures. If it was a genuine Demosthenic speech, it is likely that it was issued in pamphlet form rather than actually delivered as a speech.
Historical background
In 341 BC, when the embassy for which Demosthenes is calling in his fourth Philippic is sent to the Persians,
Philip of Macedon
Philip II of Macedon (; 382 BC – October 336 BC) was the king (''basileus'') of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia from 359 BC until his death in 336 BC. He was a member of the Argead dynasty, founders of the ancient kingdom, and the fat ...
is angry. Yet, the Persians reject the embassy.
Content of the speech
In the Fourth Philippic, Demosthenes asks that money be sent because of an upcoming war with Macedon. He calls for Athens to send an embassy to the Persians. It includes two significant passages copied from Demosthenes' earlier ''
On the Chersonese'' and ''
Second Philippic
The "Second Philippic" is an oration that was delivered by the Athenian statesman and orator Demosthenes between 344–343 BC. The speech constitutes the second of the four philippics the orator is said to have delivered.
Historical background
I ...
'' speeches, leading to further doubts about its authorship.
See also
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First Philippic
The "First Philippic" was delivered by the Athenian statesman and orator Demosthenes between 351 BC-350 BC. It constitutes the first speech of the prominent politician against Philip II of Macedon. A philippic refers to a type of speech that is ne ...
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Second Philippic
The "Second Philippic" is an oration that was delivered by the Athenian statesman and orator Demosthenes between 344–343 BC. The speech constitutes the second of the four philippics the orator is said to have delivered.
Historical background
I ...
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Third Philippic
The "Third Philippic" was delivered by the prominent Athenian statesman and orator, Demosthenes, in 341 BC. It constitutes the third of the four philippics.
Historical background
In 343 BC, the Macedonian arms were carried across Epirus and a ye ...
References
Bibliography
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External links
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{{Authority control
Philippic
A philippic () is a fiery, damning speech, or tirade, delivered to condemn a particular political actor. The term is most famously associated with three noted orators of the ancient world: Demosthenes of ancient Athens, Cato the Elder and Cic ...
341 BC