Tell us about the Hellenes’ struggle for independence. What role did Demosthenes play in it?

Macedonia was rapidly gaining strength, and Philip, who had the most efficient army in Hellas, began to subjugate the Greek cities one by one. Weakened by constant wars, they surrendered almost without resistance. Many hoped that he would organize an all-Greek campaign against Persia, the eternal enemy of the Hellenes. This would give them a lot of new lands for colonization and the withdrawal of excess landless population, and it would also bring considerable booty.

But there were also those among the Greeks who did not want to exchange freedom for a well-fed and quiet life under the rule of the Macedonian king. His most ardent opponent was the famous Athenian orator Demosthenes.

Demosthenes traveled to cities, calling out to support Athens, and everywhere denouncing Philip’s supporters, who were often bribed by the Macedonian king. He shamed the Greeks, said that the freedom for which their fathers and grandfathers gave their lives on the battlefields, they are ready to sell for Macedonian gold, reminded of the heroic pages of the history of Hellas and called on the Greeks to be worthy of the glory of their fathers. His passionate speeches were a huge success. Many city-states have banded together to fight Macedonia.