Phocion

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Cite This Source

Phocion (in Greek Φωκίων, also called Phokion, c402 - c318 BC, nicknamed The Good) was an Athenian statesman and an Strategos.

Early, Phocion was a successful politician of Athens. Particularly, Phocion believed that an extreme frugality was the condition for virtue. He lived in accord with this. By such state of blamelessness, he was popularly known as "The Good." Further, people deemed that Phocion was the most honest member of the Athenian Assembly. However, within this chamber, Phocion's obsessively opposing tendencies relegated him, to a solitary stand against the entire political class.

Nonetheless, by both his individual prestige and his military expertise, which was built beside general Chabrias, Phocion was elected Strategos numerous times, with a 45 tenure record. Thus, during most time of his 84 years lasting life, Phocion exerted the most important Athenian offices.

In the late 320s BC, when Macedon seized Athens completely (with Antipater), still Phocion was a compromised Athenian, who defended both the urban center and its citizens. Even, he refused complying, with some dishonest requests of the enemy. However, his slick fate placed Phocion against both most free Athenians and Polyperchon, the next ruler of Macedonia, who arranged his execution in Athens.

Early life

Phocion's father operated a lathe, producing iron tools.

During his youth, Phocion sought studying liberal notions. He was both Plato's pupil and Xenocrates' friend. Through such philosophical education, Phocion was of virtuous moral character and he used to give prudent advices. This academic training left its mark upon him, but it was as a soldier rather than as a philosopher that he first came into notice.

His Ordinary Life

The Athenians recognized that Phocion was honest and just so he was quite respected. Personally, Phocion had a quite cool demeanor. Never, he was seen either laughing or weeping. Indeed, Phocion was quite severe, being feared by those who met him for first time.

Phocion believed that the frugality proved his own virtue. Never, he was seen at the public baths. Either on the Athenian streets or campaigning, he walked around, wearing a simple tunic and without shoes on. Only, he excepted under an extreme cold, wearing a cloak, so other soldiers said that Phocion gave a meteorological indication.

Until his death, Phocion lived in a home, which was humble, as well. It was located at the Melita neighborhood, southward from the Acropolis. Its decoration was spare. His wife cooked their everyday bread. Phocion drew water, pumping it with his own hands.

Firstly, Phocion was married to a woman, whose father was a clay statuary. His second wife was famous, in Athens, by her humbleness. Once, she said that her lone adornment was Phocion's twentieth Strategos appointment. Phocion's son was Phocus. As, during his early life, he had a licentious life and he was addicted to wine, Phocion sent him off to Sparta, for some time.

In the Athenian Army

The young Phocion enrolled with Chabrias' armies, in many campaigns, gaining much experience. Chabrias esteemed him much because Phocion helped compensating his turbulent personality. Reciprocally, Phocion was commended, for the chief actions of his campaigns, so Phocion gained much fame, among the Athenians.

Particularly, in 376 BC, Phocion's distinguished participation was crucial, in the Athenian naval victory of Naxos, commanding the leading left wing. As, after the lengthy ruinous Spartan siege (during the years of Pericles), it was the first clear Athenian victory, the Athenians celebrated its military leaders up. Even, the battle took place on the great day of the Eleusinian Mysteries hence it was remembered, for years.

Also, Phocion was sent to the Aegean Sea, by Chabrias, to collect the regional tributes, for the Athenian Empire. As all Athenian admirals were quite hated, throughout the Greek colonies, Phocion had been empowered with 20 battleships. Nonetheless, he rejected these, arguing: "I don't need such force, to negotiate with our allies." So, he departed just with his own trireme. At each colony, Phocion negotiated each fee so diplomatically that he returned home with a large colonial fleet, which protected their treasury back.

After Chabrias died, Phocion took care of his family and particularly of his son, Ctesippus. However, Phocion couldn't cope, with his rather slow character.

In the Athenian Assembly

Publicly, Phocion was recognized, as the most austere and wisest Athenian politician. However, in the Athenian Assembly, he had an opposing demeanor, to most peers, and such criticism of Phocion was often unpopular, within the chamber. Once, an oracle was brought from Delphi. It said that one man would confront the rest of the politicians, whose stand would be homogeneous instead. Then, Phocion rose, claiming: "I am that person, who disagrees." Once, Phocion was applauded by the chamber so he asked to his friends: "Have I said some stupidity, unwittingly?" (Οὐ δὴ που κακόν τι λέγων ἐμαυτὸν λέληθα?) Demosthenes called him "the chopper of my periods." In other occasion, Phocion spoke but he was being ignored. He said: "Forcibly by you all, I may do things unwillingly. However, never I will give any insincere counsel."

On the other hand, never Phocion harmed someone, who was disliked by him. Indeed, Phocion was so kind that he helped a political rival if he was in some difficulty. Additionally, Phocion was quite obsessed for the Athenian public function became split, into two groups. Whereas the politicians dealt eminently with civilian matters, the generals attended the military issues exclusively. Phocion campaigned so Athens might regain its old tradition, with politicians who could manage both affairs.

Parrying the eloquence of his opponents, Phocion resorted to both wise concepts and pithy sayings, which were famous in antiquity. Yet, avoiding demagogic means, Phocion's tone was harsh and demanding, bearing scarce embellishments. Other distinguishing quality was that Phocion used to compress large amounts of ideas, into short phrases. Before any presentation, he spent much time, considering how to shorten his concepts.

Anecdotes

Demostenes said to Phocion that he might end killed if, someday, the people may go irrational. Phocion responded: "Oh, yes. However, they would kill you if they may regain their senses."

Phocion was heavily attacked by the entire assembly. Phocion requested that Archibiades, a man who liked imitating the Spartan lifestyle, might support his stand. However, the man took the popular side, declaring against Phocion as well. Then, Phocion grabbed his Spartan beard, saying: "Oh! It's time that you shave!"

Other assemblyman, Aristogiton, was famous because, usually, he called for war. However, a muster was called and, coincidently, he appeared wearing bandages around his legs and walking with a cane. Phocion arose, screaming to the enrolling officer: "Also, put down 'Aristogiton, lame and villain'." Some time afterward, Aristogiton was jailed and, by his request, Phocion visited him often. The friends of Phocion criticized him up, but he said: "Come on! No more appropriate place exists on Earth, to visit Aristogiton."

The Record Strategos

Although never Phocion canvassed the Athenians for it, he was appointed Strategos in a 45 tenure record. Indeed, sometimes he didn't attend the suffrages of the Agora and the people was forced to seek him afterward. However, Phocion accepted the appointment on every occasion.

Managing the Delian League

Throughout their Empire, the Athenian leaders were quite hated so they were received by the Greek colonists, as their worst enemy. Instead, Phocion was amicably received and, even, the colonists organized colorful parades, in his behalf.

Helping Persia

Between 351-349 BC, Phocion helped the Persian Emperor Artaxerxes III, to subdue the Cypriot rebellion.

Against Macedonia, in Euboea

In 349 BC, Philip II of Macedon invaded Euboea, instituting many local tyrants. With a small force, Phocion got there, expecting to convince the Euboeans diplomatically. However, Philip was effecting a strong bribe network, which corrupted the local politicians.

Phocion established his camp, onto a hill which was about Tamynae city. He ordered so his men had to ignore those, who neglected their duties by Macedonian bribe. Phocion explained: "They are useless for our regular operations and, furthermore, they may disrupt us up."

In 348 BC, with Macedonian support, the Euboean general Callias brought his armies, to attack the camp. Phocion decided to offer many religious sacrifices, before battling, until the gods may be favorable. However, such activities demanded much time. By their own will, the forces of the Euboean allies rushed, against the enemy, and the Athenian cavalry followed them too. However, the Euboeans defeated the attack and they began ravaging the Athenian camp. After Phocion could interpret his sacrifices favorably, he led his main lines into battle. Just with his best men and rallying some of the previously dispersed troops, Phocion engaged the enemy's chief divisions, in a ferocious battle. Phocion was victorious but, then, he freed the captured enemies, fearing a too severe punishment from the Athenians against them.

Subsequently, Phocion captured the fort of Zaretra, which was at Euboea island's narrowest portion. Then, he returned to Athens.

Securing Byzantium

With his armies, Philip II reached Dardanelles, expecting successively to seize Chersonesus, Perinthus, and Byzantium. The Athenians sent Chares to confront him but the Greek colonies reacted negatively against him, as usually. Consequently, they could do nothing, except roaming around the region. The Athenians were so angry that they wanted to cancel the expedition. Phocion interceded, saying: "You shouldn't be angry toward our allies. You should blame our generals, by whom we are feared even by those who need us mostly."

Then, in 339 BC, Phocion was sent to the region. To Phocion's great fame, it contributed that Leon, a personal friend, was the governor of Byzantium. Thus, particularly there, the new expedition was amicably received and, even, Phocion could camp within the city walls. Besides, the Athenian soldiers behave correctly and they fought bravely, defending the site. Then, Phocion attacked the Macedonians around the region, liberating many cities, which withdrew their Macedonian garrisons. Eventually, Macedonia was temporarily forced, out from the region.

However, Phocion was wounded so he returned to Athens.

Aiding Megara

Secretly, the Megarians requested military help, to Phocion. Phocion got there, with his army, and he was warmly received. He erected two long walls, from Megara to the seaport of Nisaea. The Megarians felt so safely that they allied with Athens.

Confronting Macedonia

About Philip II

About Macedonia, Phocion's moderate stand was about avoiding a confrontation, which may be catastrophic for Athens. However, the Athenians preferred the firebrands, who desired war. Among them, Demosthenes, Lycurgus, and Hyperides were. They were particularly encouraged because Athens seemed to have sufficient military power. On the other hand, Philip didn't want warring Athens, at all. Instead, he expected the Athenians' consent so Macedonia might borrow their strong naval power, against the Persian one.

Phocion was touring the Aegan colonies when Athens commanded his generals, to confront Philip. However, the attempt was utterly defeated at Cheronea, in 338 BC. Then, the Athenian aristocracy supported the nomination of Phocion, for Strategos, and the Areopagus passed it.

However, Phocion delayed the inevitable bestowment of the defeated Athens, as long as possible. Initially, he refused joining the new Greek Congress, in which Macedon was the leading member. Nonetheless, Demades offered this directly to Philip and the Athenians approved it. Soon, Philip profited up, using both the navy and the cavalry, from Athens. As the Athenians expressed repentance, Phocion said: "I was opposing such motion, fearing this. Now, the mistake is done. We shouldn't feel completely hopeless, though. Our ancestors have occasionally suffered similar subjections but they carried on and both Athens and the whole Greece survived." Later, after Philip died (336 BC), Phocion banned all celebratory sacrifice, saying: "It isn't enough worthy that the army, which defeated us at Cheronea, has lost just one of its soldiers."

About Alexander

When the new Macedonian King, Alexander, was about to invade Thebes, Demosthenes protested impudently. Phocion interceded, with some lines of Homer: "'Rash man forbear, to rouse the angry chief.' Please, remember that this Macedonian is full of ambitions. Such powerful foe is so close to us but, still, you dare provoking him further? Although our enemy wants, I won't let that they might ruin Athens. That is why I am in this office."

Thebes was destroyed and Alexander demanded the delivery of the opposing Athenian leaders, among whom Demosthenes was. The Assembly demanded that Phocion should rise against. Beside him, Phocion called Nicocles, his best friend, saying: "We have been brought to a pass. I would deliver Nicocles if they might request it. We must reduce the wrath of our conqueror, before opposing." Nonetheless, the Athenian Assembly passed the denying decree.

Then, Phocion decided meeting Alexander. As Phocion was regarded as a respectable person, by Philip, his son received him attentively, listening his proposals. Indeed, Alexander asked for some advice and Phocion said: "If Macedonia wishes peace, it should abandon the war. If Macedonia desires glory, it should turn against Persia, instead of oppressing Greece."

Eventually, Phocion became a favorite of the King, even before many other Macedonians. After Alexander defeated the Persian Emperor Darius III, Phocion was among the few individuals, who were saluted with greeting words, by the king, in his correspondence.

During this period, Phocion maintained his policy of peace. Alexander requested a lot of Athenian warships and Phocion supported the Macedonian initiative, saying: "Either the Athenians might defeat them or we should keep good terms, toward them.

About Antipater and the Lamian War

In 323 BC, some dubious news accounted Alexander's death. Phocion feared anticipating any action and he commented: "If now he is dead, he will be dead tomorrow, as well. We must be cautious before celebrating." The Macedonian leaders began fighting for the crown whereas Antipater was the most certain candidate. The Athenians hastened rebelling, against Macedonia. With Phocion, Leosthenes, the rebel leader, shared the charge of Strategos. This was the beginning of the Lamian War although, always, Phocion opposed it.

Leosthened inquired about which historical achievements Phocion had attained. Phocion responded: "No small good, indeed. By my policies, the Athenians are still buried into their own sepultures." Other assemblymen asked him whether the military preparations were enough or not. Phocion said: "They will be sufficient for a short time. However, if the war extends, we will lack reserves, money, ships, and men." Eventually, this happened.

Unwillingly, Phocion was ordered, to lead the military actions against Boeotia. Cleverly, he called, to enroll all Athenians whose ages were under 60 years. The elder people protested but Phocion responded: "This is fair! Although I am 80 years old, I will lead the attack." Effectively, this calmed the people down.

On the other front, Antipater retreated and he ended surrounded by the Greeks, around Lamia. The Athenians were exultant. Phocion said: "I would have wished being the general who achieved this victory. Nonetheless, still I would have counseled, as before." As more good news arrived, Phocion said: "I am expecting when the good news will end." Leosthenes died, near Lamia. A new Strategos, Antiphilus, was appointed, to counterbalance Phocion.

In 322 BC, Phocion rushed against Mikion, who had disembarked at Rhamnus with an army which comprised Macedonians and many mercenaries. Phocion was victorious, slaying the enemy's leader. Simultaneously, the Greeks defeated the Macedonians, at Thessaly. However, Craterus brought a large army, from Asia, and the Greeks were utterly defeated, at Cranon, also in 322 BC.

Soon, Antipater got near Athens. Demades, who was other peace defender, was the lone other Athenian leader who didn't flee. He proposed that an embassy should demand peace. Phocion commented: "If I might have been listened before, the Athenians wouldn't be discussing, about such things." At Thebes, both met Antipater, who expected invading Attica imminently. Phocion was well received. Antipater's lone demand was the discretional surrendering of Athens. In a second encounter, at which Antipater scorned the presence of Xenocrates up, Phocion heard the Macedonian terms of peace:

Such as Demosthenes, many Athenian politicians should be delivered.
The Athenian suffrage should be, in accord with the property of the individual.
Munychia, the neighborhood which was next to Piraeus, should be garrisoned.
Athens should pay both the war expenses and an extra fine.

Phocion discussed against the garrisoning but nothing could be done. However, Phocion knew its Macedonian commander, Menyllus, personally.

Soon, Antipater proved that he was one of the worst Macedonian tyrants, in history. 12,000 Athenians were disfranchised and much people escaped to Thrace. Phocion helped so, instead, many could stay in the Peloponnesus. Phocion became the virtual ruler of Athens and he strove, to keep the peace. By his influence, only just individuals were appointed magistrates and the people, who were too rebellious, weren't allowed for the public function. However, Phocion refused when Antipater requested too dishonest things, commenting: "I can't be his friend and his toady, at the same time." Additionally, he protected the refugee Harpalus.

Becoming Unpopular

The aftermath of these events was that Phocion became quite unpopular. People deemed that he had delivered Athens, to Antipater. Particularly, the Athenians were angry about Demosthenes, who had been banished, dieing soon after. Phocion had been supported by him, in his early political career, even in some capital trials. Thus, it was like a personal betrayal.

The Crisis of Polyperchon

In 319 BC, before his death, Antipater chose that, instead of his own son, Cassander, General Polyperchon would be the next Macedonian ruler. Soon, Cassander began conspiring against. Thus, Cassander disposed that, at Munychia, Nicanor replaced Menyllus, with the order of controlling Attica. In Athens, Phocion was accused of helping such concealments of Cassander but he slighted such rumors. Indeed, Phocion met Nicanor, requesting a mild treatment for the Athenians. Also, Phocion convinced Nicanor so he hosted the local games. During the event, the Macedonian spent much money, flaunting up.

Athens divided, between two parties. Phocion was in the aristocratic one, which was on Cassander's side. The popular party supported Polyperchon. Still as Strategos, Phocion began supporting Nicanor openly. He spurned an insistent rumor that Nicanor would attempt invading Athens. At Piraeus, Phocion was holding a conference with Nicanor when Athenian soldiers irrupted, to jail the Macedonian general. Nonetheless, Phocion helped his escape, declaring: "I don't believe that he might harm Athens although, still, I would defend him if he may wrong us." Subsequently, the Athenian Assembly commanded that Phocion should attack Nicanor, at Munychia. Initially, Phocion refused. Then, effectively, Nicanor used the troops of the Macedonian garrison, to seize Piraeus. When Phocion decided to attack them, the Athenian soldiers had already rebelled, against his command of Strategos.

In 318 BC, Polyperchon decided defining the Athenian politics, in his own favor. Favoring the popular party, the king restored all liberties. His son, Alexander, arrived to Athens, with the Macedonian army, whilst a rabid multitude of Athenians returned home, expecting revenge against the politicians who had exiled them. Personally, Pholyperchon expected that, thus, Phocion would be forced, to leave the urban center. Moreover, the Macedonians would seize Athens definitively. Immediately, Phocion was deposed as Strategos, by an informal assembly.

The Execution of Phocion

The Athenian orator Agnonides accused Phocion formally, of treachery, for he had refused attacking Nicanor. Phocion slighted this and decided meeting Polyperchon, personally. For this, Phocion gathered an entourage, which comprised politicians who were well regarded by the Macedonian ruler. However, their voyage was delayed, by the illness of one member. During those days, Agnonides proposed other embassy (to accuse Phocion formally, before the regent) and the Athenian Assembly passed the motion. Both delegations arrived simultaneously, before the Macedonian throne, at Phocis.

After the regent arrested and tortured one politician of Phocion's cortege, he expected listening to both groups. As all people attempted speaking simultaneously, Polyperchon smiled briefly. When Phocion could speak, the ruler began interrupting him so annoyingly that Phocion struck the floor with his staff and he refused uttering other word. Then, Polyperchon ordered his detention whilst his embassy escaped, out of from the court.

By a written bidding, Polysperchon announced that the treacherous prisoners would be judged, by the now free people of Athens. Phocion was brought back home where he was carted, to the Ceramicus. There, he waited that a massive assembly was gathered. The Athenian Archons conducted it. Any Athenian could participate in it, including slaves, foreigners, and formerly disfranchised ones.

The letter of Polysperchon was read whilst the entire multitude cried, against the oligarchs, who were the enemies of freedom. Vainly, Phocion demanded: "Do you wish to condemn us justly? Then, you should listen to our defense." Phocion insisted: "I admit that I have wronged and my political actions deserve my condemnation. However, these other individuals don't." Some people responded that they should be condemned, for being his friends. Then, Phocion gave up. Subsequently, Agnonides read the condemning motion. In unison, the whole crowd raised, up from their sits. Thus, Phocion and ten acquaintances were sentenced, to death.

They were conducted to a prison. The people harassed them, throughout the way. Phocion was spat on his face and he said to the Archons: "You should force that these people might comport." By their request, all the friends of Phocion drank the poison firstly. As the executioner was left without poison hemlock, he refused preparing more unless he may receive other 12 drachmas (the price for an extra weight of the plant). Phocion called a friend, commenting: "For a man, it is hard to die gratis, in Athens." The friend paid the sum to the executioner. Phocion drank his poison and, then, he died. It was May 19, of 318 BC. This coincided with the traditional Athenian parade of Zeus.

The Macedonians decided that the corpse wouldn't be buried, in Attica. Neither, it could be touched by anyone. A hired man brought it, behind the Megarian frontier. There, the cadaver was burnt. Phocion's wife piled an earth mound up, simulating a tomb, and she took the bones and the heart of Phocion. At their house, she buried these. Soon afterward, they were properly reburied, at public charge, and a brazen statue was built. Also, whereas Agnonides was executed, Phocus killed other two conspirators.

Phocion "The Good"

Phocion's recognized blamelessness bestowed the cognomen of "The Good," to him. Phocion could have been extremely rich, either by his offices or by the high commissions which were managed by him. Instead, he lived almost in an extreme frugality. Furthermore, the entire Athenian political class was quite corrupt, in that epoch.

Philip II offered much money to him and the Macedonian heralds mentioned the future needs of his sons. Phocion said: "If my sons are like me, my farm, which has enabled my present eminence, will suffice for them. If, instead, they might end spoilt by luxury, the individual, who will be guilty for that, won't be me."

Alexander presented 100 talents, to Phocion, but he refused, saying: "I am an honorable man. I would not harm either Alexander's reputation or mine." After the king insisted, Phocion requested the release of some prisoners, who were promptly liberated. Then, the king insisted, with whichever, which may exist whether at Cius, Gertithus, Mylasa, or Elaea. Phocion refused and, soon afterward, Alexander died (323 BC).

In 322 BC, Harpalus arrived to Athens, from Asia, seeking refuge. He attempted presenting 700 talents, to Phocion, who rejected this. Phocion warned that he shouldn't attempt corrupting Athens or he would be punished. Consequently, with his bribes, the angry Harpalus turned the whole assembly, against Phocion. However, as Phocion kept helping him (with good will but within ethical limits), Harpalus approached Phocion's son-in-law, Charicles, becoming a friend. Harpalus died soon after and Charicles was investigated. Phocion refused helping him, before the court, saying: "I haven't chosen you, for son-in-law, for dishonorable purposes."

Also, Phocion refused presents, from Menyllus. Phocion said: "You aren't better man than Alexander so no reason exists, for accepting your gifts." With his bribes, Menyllus became friend of Phokus, then.

References

External links

Phocion, in Biography.com.
Phocion, in Bartleby.com.
The Funeral of Phocion.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia © 2001-2006 Wikipedia contributors (Disclaimer)
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Thursday December 06, 2007 at 07:26:26 PST (GMT -0800)
View this article at Wikipedia.org - Edit this article at Wikipedia.org - Donate to the Wikimedia Foundation