In response to Demosthenes' diatribes against him, Philip of Macedon wrote a fascinating letter to the Athenians. Read through the letter. What evidence do you see here of Philip's skill as a diplomat? What evidence that he in some ways deserves the title "great"?Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Philip's Letter to the Athenians (extra credit)
In response to Demosthenes' diatribes against him, Philip of Macedon wrote a fascinating letter to the Athenians. Read through the letter. What evidence do you see here of Philip's skill as a diplomat? What evidence that he in some ways deserves the title "great"?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
The letter is very well written and you can can Philip feels very passionate about what he is saying in the letter. That shows his skill as a good diplomat, someone who is passionate about what they are representing.
ReplyDelete"I have now laid before you the grounds of my complaints. Since you have been the first aggressors; since my gentleness and fear of offending have only served to increase your injustice, and to animate you in your attempts to distress me, I must now take up arms; and I call the gods to witness to the justice of my cause, and the necessity of procuring for myself that redress which you deny me" I really like the ending of his letter the best and I think this is some good evidence that supports how good of a diplomat that Philip was.
-Alicyn Even
Philip being a dipolmat by saying "I do not know that they were included in our treaty, that their names are to be found in the records of our engagements, or that they are Athenians" the people they he attacked and that people in the my army where against you but did not let him declared war on him (Teres), and persuding the people that he is was justifiable for siege. So what makes him great is the way he persudes the people and saying im fight for the best of Athens.
ReplyDeletePhilip calmly states all of his grievances towards Athens. He does not threaten them or make them feel threatened, but rather, encourages peace. He deserves the title "great" because he protects his allies against the aggressive Athenians regardless of the new treaty. He upholds his promises to his allies. "The Cardians, I freely declare, I am determined to support, as my engagements to them are prior to our treaty, and as you refused to submit your differences with them to an arbitration, though frequently urged by me: nor have they been wanting in the like solicitations."
ReplyDelete- Robbi Kannas
Philip does a good job of explaining his reasoning for going to war. He is also very clear in his reasoning for going to war. This is important for a diplomat because a diplomat must seem fair. Also Philip could be angry about these transgressions against him yet he seems calm. Philip sends a clear message so that he will be justified in taking up arms. Its important for diplomats to be justified in war or else they fall under the might makes right category, which does not make a great diplomat.
ReplyDeleteThe references in this letter to the Athenians is what makes Phillip "Great." when he is talking about Athens, he is of course mad about how they are treating him such as destroying his ships and taking some of the diplomats hostage, but he also takes into consideration the history of the Greeks as well. When he references Peisistratos, Phillip says "In former times, I am told, your ancestors objected it as a heinous crime to the family of Pisistratus that they had led the Persian against the Greeks: and yet you are not ashamed to commit the very same action for which you were continually inveighing against those tyrants!" not only he is he trying to share a common enemy with the Athenians, he is also trying to consider not only the Athenians as Greeks, but people from Macedonia as well. With this passage, he is also trying to make the Athenians think of a better time in their history of when they did shine as a one the main city-states in Greece.
ReplyDeleteJoseph Adam
Just the fact that Phillip took so much time in addressing the Athenians is proof enough. It is a very well written with good reason and a thorough point. Instead of just sending forces to demolish his enemies, he takes the time to write a very good letter. He lays it out on the line for them and says this is what you've done to displease me, I am not happy, but I'm willing to work this out through non violent means. That alone is enough to show how great of an ambassador he was.
ReplyDeleteR. Casey Oberle
Philip is quite the politician. In his letter to Athens, Philip describes why they are upset with him and goes on to explain why they are in the wrong. While Athens' inaction is what Philip is writing about, he makes it sound like they have committed the same crimes as he; as if he foresaw their future acts prior to his actions. Essentially, he is giving Athens a real guilt-trip, although their actions seem to be justified. Philip wastes no time in hanging the Delian League over the Athenians' heads.
ReplyDeleteI think this letter proves that he is a great diplomat because his letter clearly lists what he is unhappy about. Yet, his letter is still respectful and not rude or vengeful. I think that really shows that he is a great diplomat. And after all of that, he ends the letter by saying that he has been left no choice so he must pick up arms and do something about it. He shows that this is their fault and not his and he doesn't really want to do what he's going to do. I think all of that is evidence that he is a great diplomat.
ReplyDelete-Brianna Hamil
There is a lot of evidence in this letter that shows Philip's skills as a diplomat. He clearly has a good understanding of all the goings on in his realm, and he understands the consequences of each and every action. Moreover, he does what any good diplomat does to get what they want: they use the other sides argument against them. He takes all their grievances against him and shows how they either did something very similar or were trying to undermine him one way or another. I think he is potentially worthy of the title great because he did many great things in his time (great in the sense of large in importance), but so did many other people, so it is hard to limit it to just one Philip.
ReplyDelete"He was immediately desired to take on himself the charge of relieving Byzantium; and set sail with a numerous body of forces. He was received with the greatest demonstrations of joy; and his whole conduct expressed the utmost wisdom and moderation." this shows good diplomatic skill becuase he sets things in motions and uses wisdom and skill to decided his desisions without going overbored which are skills needed to be a diplomat.
ReplyDeleteIn agreement with my classmates, I also think this speech exemplifies Philip’s strong sense of diplomacy. He logically and reasonably addresses several issues that persuasively promote a catalyst in his audience; in doing so, he’s indirectly promoting himself and justifying his cause. Philip, therefore, also proves himself to be a solid Politian. In exhibiting strong qualities for both aspects, Philip verifies that fact that he is indeed a powerful threat. One aspect of the speech I thought was particularly amusing was his segment on befriending/supporting the Cardians. He addresses his ties to them to confirm he is a loyal ally. For instance, he states “Should not I, therefore, be the basest of mankind to abandon my allies, and to show greater regard for you, my inveterate opposers, than for my constant and assured adherents?” Nice job, Philip! Now the audience thinks that your true character is shown, although in reality maintaining a supportive alliance probably was just a power move. Although still promoting his ideals, I think it’s interesting and a smart move that in the speech’s closing he eludes the audience to form their own conclusions.
ReplyDeletePhilips letter is very powerful and convincing. He uses a lot of strongly convicting words in his complains. Throughout the letter he carries the attitude of 'I've done this and that, so what else am I suppose to do?' and this attitude is very catchy, especially to the very sympathetic Athens. His letter is very well organized and is very logical - making it easy to follow and irrefutable by probably all kinds of people that were within Athens at the time the letter was received. Even in the beginning of this letter, "Be not surprised at the length of this letter; for, as I have many causes of complaint, it is necessary to explain them all distinctly." prepares all the people for what is going to be said and puts them on his side. This first sentence intensifies the mistakes of of the opposing forces in general. Overall, a very good letter from a very good writer. His passion for the well-being of Athens and the surrounding areas is very evident within the paragraphs, so no wonder he basically instantly gained their support for his propositions and lack thereof.
ReplyDelete- Jefferson Gunderson
There is plenty of evidence in Philip's letter that shows he was an excellent diplomat. One that comes out of the letter was his knowledge of Athenian history. Philip was able to use Athen's past against them, which is a good sign of a diplomat. In the letter he mentions that Athens asked Persia to attck Philip and Macedonia. According to Philip, "I am told, your ancestors objected it as a heinous crime to the family of Pisistratus that they had led the Persian against the Greeks: and yet you are not ashamed to commit the very same action for which you were continually inveighing against those tyrants!" Philip questions what Athens is doing asking the Persian for help as this used to be a crime. Philip is able to the argument present by the Athenians and turn it upside down.
ReplyDeleteDoes his make him great? Philip was able to unite most of Greece, which was a fine achievement. However, his achievements are overshadowed by his son and probably rightfully so. The title "The Great" is applied to a select few people and I think Philip comes up a little short.
The Cardians, I freely declare, I am determined to support, as my engagements to them are prior to our treaty, and as you refused to submit your differences with them to an arbitration, though frequently urged by me: nor have they been wanting in the like solicitations. Should not I, therefore, be the basest of mankind to abandon my allies, and to show greater regard for you, my inveterate opposers, than for my constant and assured adherents?
ReplyDeleteI think this shows his skills as a diplomat because he is not one to always act quickly. He spoke of having an arbitration between Athens and his allies the Cardians. He is also great because he says that he is one to stand by his allies.
John Kath
Philip's structure of speech and the way he presented his complaints are very key in leadership. As a leader of any kind, language is the most important way to rule because communication is key to govern a body of people. I think Philip deserves the title of great because he sought to better Macedon and all Greek states. His leadership, in the beginning, was good but he fell victim to vice in the end. If it were not so, then he wouldn't deserve being identified as a great leader. It would seem that all great leaders have an element of Tragedy in their lives, either how they live it or how they leave it. Philip fits the bill perfectly with his flaws and his triumphs.
ReplyDeleteJen Mellette
Philip clearly lays out a number of grievances against Athens. His skill as a diplomat shows by astutely calling to remembrance the very same grievances which a third party inflicted upon Athens. He makes the very same arguments against Athens that Athens made against third parties. If it was unjust for those third parties to act these ways, then it must also be unjust for Athens to treat Philip in the same ways. He brings his letter to a rousing finish by appealing to the gods to bear witness to the justice of his cause in taking up arms against Athens.
ReplyDeletePhilip's greatness shines through the fact that he opts not to list all of the unjust acts of Athens. He says that he "choose[s] to pass them over." He also tries to appeal to further diplomacy by stating his willingness to "continue [his] solicitations to have [his] complaints submitted to proper umpires." He also refuses to stoop to bribery to accomplish his diplomatic goals.
This letter is a great example of what diplomats should sound like. Phillip rights the letter to inform the Athenians of their horrible behavior, but instead of just attacking them he explains his grievences and gives specific examples as to why these actions are problematic.
ReplyDelete"Since you have been the first aggressors; since my gentleness and fear of offending have only served to increase your injustice, and to animate you in your attempts to distress me, I must now take up arms"
This line is what makes him great. He explains that because of the the attitudes and behaviors towards his peaceful nation that he will now fight them to defend his people.
Philip demonstrates his authority in a way where he has the right to say what he said in that letter to the Athenians. Instead of going on and on and on about what all happened, he summarized what the Athenians did to his soldiers and other important people under his command. He lists off what all is going wrong and would like them corrected in a nice manner. Another thing that shows that he is a good diplomat is that in that letter, he does not make it seem like he is going to go on a murderous rampage if they do not do what he asks, he does make it seem though that he would have his army kill off men at his command in order to get his point across. For these reasons is why Philip of Macedon deserves the title of "Philip the Great".
ReplyDelete