"On the Peace" ( grc, Περὶ τῆς εἰρήνης) is one of the most famous political orations of the prominent Athenian statesman and orator Demosthenes. It was delivered in 346 BC and constitutes a political intervention of Demosthenes in favor of the Peace of Philocrates.

Historical background

Just after the conclusion of the Peace of Philocrates, Philip II of Macedon passed Thermopylae, and subdued Phocis,Demosthenes,''On the Crown''
36
which was not helped by Athens.Demosthenes, ''On the Peace''
10
Supported by Thebes and Thessaly,Demosthenes, ''On the Crown''
43
Macedon took control of Phocis' votes in the Amphictyonic League. The Athenians had not been present at the council meeting that had voted for Philip's election into the council. However, Philip thought it proper to send letters to the states that had not been present, inviting them to assemble at

Delphi Delphi (; ), in legend previously called Pytho (Πυθώ), in ancient times was a sacred precinct that served as the seat of Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The oracle ...

so that they could ratify his election. Athens, among others, received the invitation. The invitation raised much ferment in the Athenian assembly, with many members indignant and opposed to Philips' election into the council. Yet, despite some strong and continuing opposition,Demosthenes, ''On the False Embassy''
111-113
Athens finally legitimised Philip's entrance into the Council of the League. Demosthenes was among those who recommended this stance in his oration ''On the Peace''.

The speech

The real subject of the oration is not peace, but the legitimation of Philip's participation in the Amphictyonic League.

Ecclesia Ecclesia (Greek: ἐκκλησία ''ekklēsia'') may refer to: Organizations * Ecclesia (ancient Greece) or Ekklēsia, the principal assembly of ancient Greece during its Golden Age * Ecclesia (Sparta), the citizens' assembly of Sparta, often w ...

convened in order to take the final decision and Demosthenes was among those who expressed their opinion. He first argues that the current situation is unpleasant for the Athenians because of their own negligence (par. 1-3). He then refers to previous misjudgments of his countrymen (4-12) and asserts that Athens must avoid a war that would unify against it all the Greek cities (13-14) He argues that, if they do not recognize the new ''status quo'' in the Council of the League, they will cause a rift with the other members of the League (18-19). In order to convince ecclesia, he reminds his countrymen of the fact that in the past Philip had efficiently exploited Thebes' and Thessaly's interests, in order to use them for his own purposes. He is thus capable of repeating such a plot (20-23). Finally, the orator enumerates Athens' sacrifices for the sake of peace and argues that it would be unintelligent to break the peace because of the incident in

. Nonetheless, he underscores that they must not accept any further concession to Philip (24-25). According t
A. W.Pickard
the Assembly were persuaded to give way. To have refused would have brought the united forces of the Amphictyonic States against Athens: and those they could not have resisted. It was therefore prudent to keep the peace, though Demosthenes evidently regarded it only as an armistice. A. Galinos regards Demosthenes' oration as model of the art of diplomacy and emphasizes on the pain and the psychological pressure Demosthenes must have suffered, arguing in favor of Philip's demands.A. Galinos, ''Comments on Demosthenes'', 330.

References

External links

*Preface and translation of the oration b

Text of the speech at the Perseus Digital Library
{{DEFAULTSORT:On The Peace Works by Demosthenes 346 BC Ancient Greek orations