Demosthenes (384–322 B.C.) is still recognized today as one of the most important orators of antiquity. A native of the city-state of Athens, he consistently directed his vision toward a nostalgic remembrance of Athens’ glorious past, when the Attic polis dominated the Aegean Sea as the leader of the Delian League. This political stance led Demosthenes—especially in light of the events of his time—to adopt a clearly anti-Macedonian attitude. In his speeches, known as the Philippics, Demosthenes expressed all his political ideas against Philip II of Macedonia, seeking to demonstrate and persuade others that a king could never truly be considered a protector of the cherished freedom that the city-states so proudly proclaimed.

Indeed, in his words we read that among “all these means of defense [...] there is one that sensible people naturally share, one that is effective and ensures safety for everyone, especially for democratic governments as opposed to tyrannical ones. What is it? Distrust. Safeguard it, cling to it; if you preserve it, no harm will befall you. [...] Do you seek freedom? Then do you not see that Philip also holds the titles most incompatible with it? Every king, every tyrant is an enemy of freedom and stands opposed to the law. Be careful not to bring upon yourselves a master in your attempt to escape a war.”

In Demosthenes’ words, Philip is labeled a tyrant. At this point in history, the term had already shifted from its earlier neutral meaning of "ruler" to the negative connotation of “tyrant” that we still use today. This shift in meaning stemmed from events that cast a dark shadow over Athenian history, such as the tyranny of Hippias and Hipparchus and the period of the Thirty Tyrants. Philip was therefore associated with some of the darkest chapters of Athenian politics.

The death of the Macedonian king and the rise of his son Alexander did little to change Demosthenes’ political stance, as he continued to stir Athens with speeches full of strong anti-Macedonian sentiment.

However, this intense political activism ultimately led to his death: in 322 B.C., to avoid falling into the hands of assassins sent by the Macedonian general Antipater, he took his own life by poison.