Third Philippic

In 343 BC, the Macedonian arms were carried across Epirus and a year later Philip II of Macedon turned his military activities towards Thrace.

The king sent a letter of remonstrance to Athens, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Athenian troops from Cardia, which was occupied by the Macedonian army.

Putting forth all the power of his eloquence, he demanded resolute action against Philip and called for a burst of energy from the Athenian people.

Macedon and Athens were already de facto belligerent parties, since the Athenians were financing Diopeithes,[3] who was launching attacks against allied cities.

[11] From the moment he delivered the Third Philippic, Demosthenes imposed himself as the most influential politician of Athens and the suzerain of the Athenian political arena.

The aftermath of the Peloponnesian War gives Macedonia ample opportunity to expand its power. This prompts Demosthenes, leader of the Anti-Macedonian faction in Athens, to give his Philippic speeches and call for action against the Macedonian threat.