The bust of Demosthenes, a sculpture from the ancient Greek period in the 3rd century BC

The bust of Demosthenes, a sculpture from the ancient Greek period in the 3rd century BC

Demosthenes studied rhetoric from Isseus in his early years and taught rhetoric to Xuan. Subsequently, he engaged in political activities and strongly opposed Macedonia's invasion of Greece, delivering speeches such as the "Anti Philip Speech" to condemn the expansionist ambitions of Macedonian King Philip II. After the Battle of Catalonia (338 BC), he fled overseas. In 323 BC, Alexander III of Macedonia died and returned to Athens to organize an anti Macedonian movement. After failing, he committed suicide. The statue is currently housed in the Louvre Museum.