#demosthenes

[taisart11]

🏛️🪶 Some silly ancient authors yay!! 🌿

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Amethyst Intaglio from Ancient Rome, c.25 BCE: this ringstone is engraved with a portrait of the Greek orator, Demosthenes

This gemstone measures just 2cm tall, and it's engraved with an intricate portrait of Demosthenes, along with a Greek inscription of the artist's name, Dioskourides.

Above: a close-up of the inscription on the right side of the intaglio, which reads "of Dioskourides"

Dioskourides was the chief gem-engraver of Emperor Augustus, as this article describes:

A Roman amethyst intaglio with a portrait of Demosthenes is another masterpiece in the collection and is one of the most important gems to survive from antiquity. To the right of the bust, in small neat letters is the inscription “of Dioskourides,” the artist's signature. Dioskourides was named the chief gem engraver for Emperor Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.).

Dioskourides' portrait of Demosthenes is without question a masterpiece. The gem was admired as much for the high quality of its craftsmanship and its exceptionally deep engraving, rare for an ancient intaglio, as for its identifying signature, since Dioskourides was recognized throughout the Renaissance and into the modern era as the greatest gem engraver of the Roman world.

Dioskourides is the only gem-engraver of the Roman period who is not only mentioned by ancient writers but also known from surviving works. At present, in addition to his Demosthenes portrait, six other intaglio gems and one cameo survive that bear Dioskourides’ signature, while several others are assigned to him on account of quality and style.

Nothing is known about the ancient owner of Dioskourides’ Demosthenes.

The ringstone was acquired by the Getty Museum back in 2019.

Sources & More Info:

Getty Museum: Intaglio with Bust of Demosthenes

Alain Truong: Christie's to Offer Miniature Engraved Gems Formerly in the G. Sangiorgi Collection

Christie's: Roman Amethyst Ringstone with a Portrait of Demosthenes

Getty Museum: Portable Art: The Fashion and Function of Ancient Engraved Gems

[jeannereames]

Demosthenes, Defender of (Athenian) Democracy?

I take on the persistent beatification of Demosthenes of Athens as some sort of hero protecting freedom against the autocracy of the Macedonians.

[whencyclopedia]

Demosthenes: Athens’ Fierce Voice Against Macedonia

Demosthenes (c. 384–322 BCE) was a powerful Athenian statesman and orator who passionately opposed the rise of Macedonian power under King Philip II. Renowned for his stirring speeches, he became one of ancient Greece’s greatest patriots, defending Athenian democracy against Macedonian expansion. His surviving speeches are still celebrated today for their rhetorical power and historical insight.

Key Facts

Lived from approximately 384 to 322 BCE in Athens.

Known primarily for opposing Macedonian King Philip II.

Famous for his influential and passionate speeches.

Not to be confused with an earlier Athenian general of the same name.

His oratory helped shape Athenian political resistance.

Considered among the finest ancient Greek rhetoricians.

Historical Context

Demosthenes lived during a period when Macedon was growing stronger and threatening the independence of Greek city-states, especially Athens. Philip II’s military conquests and political maneuvers aimed to unify Greece under Macedonian control, challenging the traditional power balance.

Historical Significance

Demosthenes symbolizes the fight for Athenian freedom and democracy in the face of Macedonian dominance. His speeches rallied Athenians to resist Philip’s expansion and remain politically independent. Beyond politics, his works have influenced the art of rhetoric and public speaking through the centuries.

Demosthenes’ legacy endures not just as a political figure but as a master of persuasion, reminding us how words can powerfully defend liberty.

Learn More: Demosthenes

[reimenaashelyee]

Finally figured out how to feature my favourite person from that era of history into Alexander Comic Book 2. ✌️

Demosthenes doesn't really appear in the Alexander Romance, but he's such a presence in Philip and Alexander's histories, and if there's one thing the Romance did Demosthenes dirty, it didn't portray just how much of a Hater he was. I love how he's this hyper rambly nerd who had a lot of hot takes and rage against Philip in the safety of his home in Athens, but when he was called to Macedon to confront Philip himself in person he totally blanked out. Amazing. Pure online hater energy. He invented the 30 Page Callout Post. He performed the crab dance gif when he found out about Philip's assassination, even while he was supposed to be mourning for the death of his child. He's the best person I discovered from all my research into Alexander and I am glad to be able to give him a spot in my comic. Demosthenes ftw.

[whitecat2049]

~•°historical figure themed ask game!°•~

(only ancient greeks because i know them well enough & hyperfixated on 'em teehee)

——————————————————————

Cleisthenes🪙 - Have you ever invented an inside joke in your friend group? If so, explain what it is! (No need to get too personal!)

Pericles🎖️ - Do you hide your negative emotions an ungodly amount? (Sadness, embarrassment, being bothered, etc.)/Are you stoic?

Alcibiades🪩 - What's the craziest thing you've ever done? (Again, no need for it to be personal!)

Draco🐲 - Have you ever been overly strict/ignorant to someone in your life? (Can be anyone, really.)

Socrates🤔 - Do you tend to ask way too many useless questions? If so, are people annoyed with that?

Aristophanes🐸 - Do you make tons of dirty jokes or any at all? What is your view on 'em?

Aspasia🗝️ - Do you prefer deep conversations or small talk? Explain please!

Alexander the Great🏆 - What was your greatest achievement?

Epameinondas & Pelopidas🏵️🌵 - Have you ever done anything extreme to help out a friend? Or just to have fun together?

Herodotus📜 - Do you lie a lot? If so, then do people tend to say you lie, even when telling the truth?

Thucydides👁️‍🗨️ - When an argument happens against a dear friend of yours, are you biased and immediately take your friends' side or do you weigh everything down and follow your sense of justice?

Demosthenes📃 - What extreme measure did you take for stopping a bad habit or even a physical/mental problem?

Cimon🛡️ - Have you ever done anything scandalous?

Miltiades🌹 - Have you ever been betrayed by a (close) friend or a family member of yours?

Isagoras 🚩 - Were you ever unfair for no reason to someone?

——————————————————————

andddd... that's it! Drop suggestions in the comments if i missed anyone else! I did skip some, because i didn't have any ideas for them. So please drop ideas for questions for the following:

- Solon

- Peisistratus

- Lycurgus

- The Tragedian Trio (Euripides, Aeschylus, Sophocles)

[theninerealmsbakery]

Demothenes: You are without a doubt the worst misthios I've ever heard of Alexios: But you have heard of me!

[alexjcrowley]

Guys is this a safe space to say that Demosthenes and Philip II should have fucked nasty