Olynthiacs

The Olynthiacs are three political orations by the Athenian statesman and orator Demosthenes, delivered to the Athenian assembly in the late 340s BCE. They address the rising threat of Philip II of Macedon and argue for decisive Athenian support for the city of Olynthus, a key ally in the northern Aegean region. Though named after Olynthus, the speeches situate Athens within the broader strategy of resisting Macedonian expansion and protecting Greek autonomy. The three speeches are usually dated to roughly 349–347 BCE and are often studied together as part of Demosthenes’ early anti-M Macedonian policy, preceding his more famous Philippics.

Content and themes: In the Olynthiacs, Demosthenes urges Athens to provide timely aid to Olynthus, including financial support and military resources, to deter Philip’s advances. He argues that hesitation or inadequate assistance would embolden Philip and threaten Athens and the wider Greek world. The speeches advocate strengthening naval power, making prudent use of available public funds to support allies, and fostering a united Greek front against Macedonian expansion. They criticize political factions at Athens that favor delay or appeasement and emphasize civic responsibility and public courage.

Legacy and scholarship: The Olynthiacs are valued for their detailed portrait of late Classical Greek foreign policy and for Demosthenes’ rhetorical method—argument, urgency, and appeals to shared liberty. They provide insight into Athenian strategy toward Macedon and the diplomacy surrounding Olynthus. Texts survive in the standard Demosthenes corpus in Greek, with modern editions and translations facilitating study of their historical context and rhetorical craft.