Death of Demosthenes

While Alexander lived, Demosthenes urged revolt, but Greeks would not fight. When Alexander died, Phocion warned: "If he is dead today, he will be dead tomorrow—take counsel at leisure." Greeks ignored him and revolted. They besieged the Macedonians at Lamia until their general was killed and reinforcements came. Antipater made separate peace with each city. He sent soldiers to capture Demosthenes, who fled to Neptune's temple. Soldiers came; he asked to write a letter. He traced a few lines, then bit his hollow reed which contained poison. Soldiers carried him out as he died. Athenians regretted not listening to Phocion, who became their leader—but his caution turned to cowardice, and Macedon ruled Greece.