Every Athenian coalition, declaration of war, and a peace agreement was established by a decision of the assembly, in which citizens voted after hearing speeches that gave a variety of and often competing opinions regarding the best course of action. As a result, Demosthenes’ Speeches contain an unrivaled quantity of evidence concerning Athenians’ attitudes toward war and interstate relations. Therefore, to comprehend this collection of oratory, one must first grasp how the Athenians of the time made war and peace decisions.
The crimes or wrongs committed by an individual or state were highlighted to the Athenians at the assembly, and the best possible action was sought during the ancient Greek period. The narrator asserts that “Many speeches are delivered, men of Athens, at almost every meeting of the Assembly, about the wrongs that Philip has been committing” (1). A detailed explanation of the ills, causes, and consequences then followed. The speaker asserts that “perhaps, indeed, this condition of our affairs may be attributed to many causes and not just to one or two, but a careful examination will convince you that it is above all due to those who study to win your favor rather than to give you the best advice” (2). Additionally, there were interstate alliances to fight a common enemy in times of war. Generally, this demonstrates that war and interstate relations were a well-articulated process and can be compared to the current military logistics and combat.
A version of history tainted by patriotism, which includes admiration of their forefathers’ military prowess, may have led Athenians to embrace the idea of battle too enthusiastically during the ancient Greek period. The speaker says, “but this is a task for you; it was for you that your ancestors won this proud privilege and bequeathed it to you at great and manifold risk” (74). Even though the Athenians were not extremely militaristic by modern standards, they certainly valued military service, which may have made resorting to war more appealing.
Reference
Third Philippic. (1930). In The Speeches of Demosthenes (J. H. Vince, Trans.). Loeb Classical Library. Web.