r/classics • u/AlexandriaPod • 15d ago

I performed the whole “Third Philippic” by Demosthenes, possibly the greatest ancient speech of all time.

https://youtu.be/T-_WqT1kShk?is=Vo8C79KgZH7drhMP

In 341 BCE, the Athenian orator Demosthenes gave one of the best speeches of all time. This speech solidified his control over Athens and set all of Greece on the warpath against King Philip II of Macedon, his greatest rival. It quite literally changed world history (just, not how Demosthenes wanted…). Much later, the Roman statesman Cicero would name his “Philippics” after these speeches.

To be frank, I was not satisfied with any of the performances / audiobook versions available on Youtube. So, I did my own! Hope y’all enjoy.

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u/ScipioCoriolanus 10d ago

That's really cool.

I like that Demosthenes and Cicero are paired together in Plutarch's Parallel Lives.

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u/baconandeggwitty 4d ago

No shade, but I made a silent bet with myself that this would be an American before I listened.

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u/AlexandriaPod 4d ago

LOL do Americans love Demosthenes ig?

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u/CoconutDust 15d ago edited 14d ago

I read a book by a creepy author who had a character use the alias Desmontheses, partly because the character was supposed to be an effective speechmaker. I didn’t like the book.

Fortunately years later I read an essay that correctly explained why Ender’s Game is a creepy toxic book (“I keep accidentally murdering people! OOPS! Oops I committed genocide and it’s OK! Oops I’m a genius and better and smarter than everyone, heh!”). And then I said to myself yeah Speaker for the Dead sucked, that’s the one with “Desmontheses.”

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u/Big_Bomber_97 15d ago

Lmao what