Phocion

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

Phocion was a successful politician of Athens. He believed that an extreme frugality was the condition for virtue and lived in accord with this; consequently, he was popularly known as "The Good." Further, people thought that Phocion was the most honest member of the Athenian Assembly. However, within this chamber, Phocion's tendency to strong opposition relegated him to a solitary stand against the entire political class. Nonetheless, by both his individual prestige and his military expertise, which was acquired by the side of Chabrias, Phocion was elected Strategos numerous times, with a 45 tenure record. Thus, during most of his 84 years of life, Phocion occupied the most important Athenian offices.

In the late 320s BC, when Macedon gained complete control of Athens (with Antipater), though somewhat compromised Phocion defended both the urban center and its citizens. He even refused to comply with some dishonest requests of the enemy. However, his stance 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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

During his youth, Phocion sought to study 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 advice. 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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

His Ordinary Life

The Athenians recognized that Phocion was honest and he was respected as such.Personally, he had a reserved demeanor: he was never seen either laughing or weeping. Indeed, he was quite severe, being feared by those who met him for first time. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Phocion believed that the frugality proved his own virtue.He was never seen at the public baths.Both on the Athenian streets and on campaign, he walked around wearing a simple tunic and without shoes. He only made an exception in extreme cold, wearing a cloak, so other soldiers said that Phocion gave a meteorological indication. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Throughout his life Phocion lived in a home which was humble, with spare decoration, located at the Melite neighborhood, southward from the Acropolis. His wife cooked their everyday bread, and Phocion drew water, pumping it with his own hands. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Phocion was first married to a woman whose father was a maker of clay [statues] .His second wife was famous in Athens for her humility. Once she said that her sole 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 (which was famous for frugal lifestyles) for some time. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

In the Athenian Army

The young Phocion enrolled with Chabrias' armies, in many campaigns, gaining much experience. Chabrias esteemed him highly because Phocion helped to compensate for his turbulent personality. Reciprocally, Phocion was commended for the chief actions of his campaigns, and thus gained much fame, among the Athenians. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

In 376 BC, Phocion's distinguished participation was crucial in the Athenian naval victory of Naxos, commanding the leading left wing.Since it was the first clear Athenian victory since the Peloponnesian War, the Athenians greatly honoured its military leaders. The battle took place on the main day of the Eleusinian Mysteries and was remembered for years. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Phocion was also sent to the Aegean Sea by Chabrias, to collect the regional tributes for the Athenian Empire. As representatives of Athens were unpopular among their 'subject' allies, Phocion had been empowered with 20 battleships. Nonetheless, he rejected these, Phocion's comment was that "if he was being sent to fight the islanders he would need a larger force, but if he was visiting them as allies, one ship was enough." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] So he departed just with his own trireme.At each city, Phocion negotiated each fee so diplomatically that he returned home with a large allied fleet, which protected their treasury. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

After Chabrias died, Phocion took care of his family and particularly of his son, Ctesippus.However, Phocion could barely cope with Ctesippus' rather slow character. At last he exclaimed "O Chabrias, did ever a man show so much gratitude as I do in putting up with your son" [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

In the Athenian Assembly

Publicly, Phocion was recognized as the most austere and wisest Athenian politician. However, in the Athenian Assembly, he had an attitude of opposition to most of his peers, and criticism from 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 speeches." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] On another occasion, Phocion spoke but was ignored. He said: "If I am forced by all of you, I may do things unwillingly. However, never I will give any insincere counsel." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

On the other hand, Phocion never harmed anyone he disliked. Indeed, he was so kind that he helped a political rival if he was in some difficulty.Additionally, Phocion was exercised that Athenian public functions had became split into two groups. Whereas the politicians dealt eminently with civilian matters, the generals attended military issues exclusively. He campaigned for Athens to regain its old tradition, with politicians who could manage both affairs. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Parrying the eloquence of his opponents, Phocion resorted both to wise concepts and pithy sayings, which were famous in antiquity. Yet he avoided demagogic style and his tone was harsh and demanding, with few embellishments. Another 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. One of his friends said "You seem to be thinking about something, Phocion" he replied "Yes, I am considering whether I can shorten the speech I am going to make." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Anecdotes

Demosthenes said to Phocion that he might be killed if some day, the people became irrational.Phocion responded: "Oh, yes. However, they would kill you if they may regain their senses." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Phocion was heavily attacked by the entire assembly, and 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 for you to shave!" [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Another assemblyman, Aristogiton, was famous because he usually called for war. However, a muster was called and he happened to appear wearing bandages around his legs and walking with a cane. Phocion gor up and shouted to the enrolling officer: "Put down Aristogiton too, as lame and unfit for service." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] Some time afterward, Aristogiton was jailed and at his own request, Phocion visited him often. His friends criticized him for it, but he said: "Come on! There is there no better place to visit Aristogiton" [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

The Record Strategos

Although Phocion never canvassed the Athenians for it, he was appointed Strategos a record-breaking 45 times. Sometimes he did not attend the election meetings of the Agora and the people were forced to seek him afterward. However, he accepted the appointment on every occasion. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Managing the Delian League

Throughout their Empire, the Athenian leaders were unpopular, and were received by the allies as their worst enemy. But Phocion was amicably received and the allies even organized colourful parades in his honour. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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 and estaclished many local tyrants.Phocion went there with a small force, expecting to win over the Euboeans by diplomatic means.But Philip had organised a strong bribe network which corrupted the local politicians. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] Phocion established his camp o a hill outside Tamynae city, and ordered his men had to ignore those who neglected their duties because of Macedonian bribes. He explained: "They are useless for our regular operations and, furthermore, they will disrupt those that are loyal." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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 battle, until the gods werefavourable. However uch activities demanded much time, and the forces of the Euboean mercenaries attacked the enemy, their general thinking Phocion was a coward and hoping to force his hand. The Athenian cavalry was ill-disciplined, and not wishing to remain idle, raced out to meet the enemy, but with no formation and in scattered groups, so that they were easily beaten and routed. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] However, the Euboeans defeated the mercenaries and they began ravaging the Athenian camp.After Phocion could interpret his sacrifices favorably (or alternatively to draw the enemy in), he led his main lines into battle while the enemy where surging up the palisade thinking they had defeated Phocions forces. This resulted in Phocion cutting down and routing the enemy forces. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] Just with his best men while the main body of the army rallyed 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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Subsequently, Phocion captured the fort of Zaretra, which was at Euboea island's narrowest portion.Then, he returned to Athens. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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 usual. 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." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Then, in 339 BC, Phocion was sent to the region.To Phocion's great fame, it contributed that Leon, a personal friend from the academy, a well known Byzantine for his courage personally guaranteed the Athenian's good faith.Thus, particularly there, the new expedition was amicably received and, even, Phocion who planned to camp outside the walls was welcomed into the city where the Athenian soldiers acted with exemplary discipline and courtesy.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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

However, Phocion was wounded so he returned to Athens. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Aiding Megara

Secretly, the Megarians requested military help from Phocion.Phocion arrived with his army and was warmly received.He erected two long walls, from Megara to the seaport of Nisaea.The Megarians felt so safe that they allied with Athens. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

About Alexander

When the new Macedonian King, Alexander, was about to invade Thebes, Demosthenes protested impudently.Phocion interceded, with some lines of Homer: "Foolhardy man, why provoke one whose temper is already savage?" Why provoke this Macedonian which is full of limitless ambition? Or do you wish when there is a holocaust on our borders to spread the flames to our city as well, still, you dare provoking him further? My whole object in taking up the burdens of this office is to prevent this, and i shall not allow my fellow citizens destroy themeselves, even if the wish it." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Thebes was destroyed and Alexander demanded the delivery of the opposing Athenian's, among whom Demosthenes was.The Assembly called upon Phocion repeatedly by name until he stood on his feet.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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Then, when Alexander refused to see Athenian ambassadors Phocion was sent.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." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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 the word greeting, by the king, in his correspondence. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

During this period, Phocion maintained his policy of peace.Alexander requested a lot of Athenian warships and Phocion supported the Macedonian initiative, saying: "Either you should possess superior strength or side with those that do." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Leosthened inquired about which historical achievements Phocion had attained.Phocion responded: "Do you think it is nothing then that our citizens are all buried at home in their own tombs?" [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] Other assemblymen asked him whether the military preparations were enough or not.Phocion said: "They will be sufficient for a sprint. However, if it is to be a long race, then i fear for Athens for she has no reserves of either men, supplies or warships." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

In 322 BC, Phocion rushed against Mikion, who had disembarked at Rhamnus with an army which comprised Macedonians and many mercenaries. This where the saying "Heracles, how many genereals is see and how few soldiers!" then he attacked the enemy and utterly routed them. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] Simultaneously, the Greeks defeated the Macedonians, at Thessaly.However, Craterus brought a large army, from Asia, and the Greeks were defeated at Cranon, also in 322 BC. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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 to before, the Athenians wouldn't be discussing, about such things."At Thebes, both met Antipater, who expected invading Attica imminently.Phocion was well received. When Phocion asked Antipater to cease his advance and listen to peace proposals, Craterus protested that it was unfair that the army should sit idle in allied lands inflicting damgae on their economy while the enemy lands could be so easily ravaged. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] 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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Soon, Antipater proved that he was one of the worst Macedonian tyrants, in history.12,000 Athenians were disfranchised and many people migrated to Thrace.Phocion helped by securing them a citizenship in the Peloponnesus area.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 flatterer, a once." Additionally, he protected the refugee Harpalus. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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, dying 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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] [Cornelius Nepos, Cornelius Nepos: Lives of Eminent Commanders, [http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/nepos.htm] ]

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 Polyperchon. 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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] [Cornelius Nepos, Cornelius Nepos: Lives of Eminent Commanders, [http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/nepos.htm] ]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] [Cornelius Nepos, Cornelius Nepos: Lives of Eminent Commanders, [http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/nepos.htm] ]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] [Cornelius Nepos, Cornelius Nepos: Lives of Eminent Commanders, [http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/nepos.htm] ]

The Execution of Phocion

The Athenian demagogue 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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] [Cornelius Nepos, Cornelius Nepos: Lives of Eminent Commanders, [http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/nepos.htm] ]

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 another word.Then, Polyperchon ordered his detention whilst his embassy escaped, out of from the court. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

The letter of Polysperchon was read whilst the entire multitude cried, against the oligarchs, who were the enemies of freedom.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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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 12 drachmas (the price for the weight of the plant).Phocion called a friend, commenting: "For a man, it is hard to die in Athens without paying for it."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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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 Hagnonides was executed, Phocus then tracked down and killed the other two conspirators. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""] [Cornelius Nepos, Cornelius Nepos: Lives of Eminent Commanders, [http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/nepos.htm] ]

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." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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). [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

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." [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

Also, Phocion refused presents, from Menyllus.Phocion said: "You are not a better man than Alexander so no reason exists, for accepting your gifts."With his bribes, Menyllus then became a friend of Phokus. [Plutarch, Parallel Lives, ""]

ee also

*Strategos
*Athenian Assembly
*Demades
*Demosthenes
*Chabrias
*Battle of Naxos
*Delian League
*Philip II of Macedon
*Antipater
*Polyperchon
*Piraeus
*Munychia

References

*1911

External links

*Phocion, in Biography.com. [http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9439801]
*Phocion, in Bartleby.com. [http://www.bartleby.com/65/ph/Phocion.html]
*The Funeral of Phocion. [http://www.students.sbc.edu/albanis03/phocion.htm]