| |
Demetrius of Phalerum (also Demetrius of
Phaleron or Demetrius Phalereus) was an Athenian orator originally from
Phalerum, a student of Theophrastus, and perhaps of Aristotle, and one of the
first Peripatetics. Demetrius was a distinguished statesman who was appointed
by the Macedonian king, Cassander, to govern Athens,
where he ruled as sole ruler for ten years, introducing important reforms of
the legal system while maintaining pro-Cassander oligarchic rule. He was exiled
by his enemies in 307, and he went first to Thebes, and then, after 297, to the
court of Alexandria. He wrote extensively on the subjects of history, rhetoric,
and literary criticism. He is not to be confused with his grandson, also called
Demetrius of Phaleron, who probably served as regent of Athens between 262 and
255, on behalf of the Macedonian King Antigonos Gonatas.
Life:
Demetrius was born in Phalerum, c. 350. He was the son of Phanostratus, a man
without rank or property, and was brother to the anti-Macedonian orator
Himeraeus. He was educated, together with the poet Menander, in the school of
Theophrastus. He began his public career about 325, at the time of the disputes
concerning Harpalus, and soon acquired a great reputation by the talent he
displayed in public speaking. He belonged to the pro-oligarchic party of
Phocion; and he acted in
the spirit of that statesman. When Xenocrates was unable to pay the new tax on
metics (foreign residents) c. 322, and the Athenians threatened him with
slavery, he was only saved (according to one story) when Demetrius purchased
his debt and paid his tax. After the death of Phocion in 317, Cassander placed
Demetrius at the head of the administration of Athens. He filled this office
for ten years, instituting extensive legal reforms. The Athenians conferred
upon him the most extraordinary distinctions (almost all of which were revoked
after his later expulsion from Athens), and no fewer than 360 statues were
erected to him. However, Demetrius was unpopular with the lower classes of
Athenians and with pro-democratic political factions, who resented the
limitations he placed on the democratic franchise and viewed him as little more
than a pro-Macedonian puppet ruler.
According to Stephen V. Tracy, the story about the statues was not historical;
also he argues that Demetrius later played a big role in the foundation of the
Library of Alexandria. He remained in power until 307 when Cassander's enemy,
Demetrius Poliorcetes captured Athens, and Demetrius was obliged to take to
flight. It was claimed that during the latter period of his administration he
had abandoned himself to every kind of excess, and we are told he squandered
1200 talents a year on dinners, parties, and love affairs. Carystius of
Pergamum mentions that he had a lover by the name of Diognis, of whom all the
Athenian boys were jealous. After his exile, his enemies contrived to induce
the people of Athens to pass the death sentence upon him, in consequence of
which his friend Menander nearly fell a victim. All his statues, with the
exception of one, were demolished. Demetrius first went to Thebes, and then
(after Cassander's death in 297) to the court of Ptolemy I Soter at Alexandria,
with whom he lived for many years on the best terms, and who is even said to
have entrusted to him the revision of the laws of his kingdom. During his stay
at Alexandria, he devoted himself mainly to literary pursuits, ever cherishing
the recollection of his own country. On the accession of Ptolemy Philadelphus,
Demetrius fell into disfavour (he apparently supported the wrong candidate,
Ptolemy Keraunos), and was sent into exile to Upper Egypt. According to one
account a statue at Memphis Saqqara was attributed to him. He is said to have
died from the bite of a venomous snake. His death appears to have taken place
soon after the year 283.
|
|
