Even today, more than 2,000 years after they lived, Demosthenes and Cicero are still considered two of history’s most outstanding orators.
The two men resembled each other not only in their rhetorical abilities but also in their backgrounds. Each came from humble beginnings and rose to positions of influence through the power of speech. Both opposed kings and tyrants; both were, for a time, exiled from their countries; and both were finally seized by their enemies—their deaths marking the end of liberty in their countries.
Demosthenes…
Lived in Greece in the fourth century b.c.e. His father died when he was very young, and he had a difficult childhood. His health was fragile, and his guardians stole much of the money his father had left for his education. Nevertheless, he was determined to succeed, and he soon found the field in which he would excel. After hearing the orator Callistratus argue in court, Demosthenes resolved to learn the art of public speaking in order to sue his guardians for the stolen money. He then took them to court and won. Soon after, he became involved in politics.
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