Demetrius of Phalerum facts for kids
Demetrius of Phalerum (born around 350 BC, died around 280 BC) was an important speaker and leader from Athens, an ancient Greek city. He came from a port town called Phalerum. Demetrius was a student of Theophrastus, who was a famous philosopher. He might have also studied with Aristotle. Demetrius was one of the first members of the Peripatetic school of philosophy, which followed Aristotle's teachings.
Demetrius became a well-known politician. He was chosen by Cassander, the King of Macedon, to rule Athens. Demetrius was the sole ruler for ten years. During this time, he made big changes to the legal system. He also kept a government that favored a small group of wealthy people, which was supported by King Cassander. Demetrius was forced to leave Athens in 307 BC. He first went to Thebes, and later to the city of Alexandria in Egypt. He wrote many books about history, public speaking, and how to understand literature. It's important not to confuse him with his grandson, who was also named Demetrius of Phaleron.
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Life of Demetrius
Demetrius was born in Phalerum around 350 BC. His father, Phanostratus, was not a rich or powerful man. Demetrius studied with the famous poet Menander at the school of Theophrastus. He started his public career around 325 BC. He quickly became famous for his great public speaking skills.
Ruling Athens
Demetrius was part of a political group that favored a government run by a few powerful people. This group was led by Phocion. After Phocion died in 317 BC, King Cassander put Demetrius in charge of Athens. Demetrius ruled Athens for ten years. He made many important changes to the laws. The people of Athens gave him many special honors. They even put up 360 statues of him.
However, not everyone liked Demetrius. Many ordinary Athenians and those who wanted a more democratic government disliked him. They felt he limited their rights and saw him as a puppet ruler for the Macedonians.
Exile and Later Life
Demetrius stayed in power until 307 BC. At that time, Demetrius Poliorcetes, an enemy of King Cassander, took over Athens. Demetrius of Phalerum had to escape. Some people claimed that during his rule, he spent too much money and lived a very lavish life. After he was exiled, his enemies in Athens tried to have him sentenced to death. Almost all of his statues were torn down.
Demetrius first went to Thebes. After King Cassander died in 297 BC, Demetrius moved to the court of Ptolemy I Soter in Alexandria, Egypt. He lived there for many years and was good friends with Ptolemy I. It is even said that Ptolemy asked him to help revise the laws of his kingdom. While in Alexandria, Demetrius spent most of his time writing. He always remembered his home country, Athens.
When Ptolemy II Philadelphus became king, Demetrius lost favor. He was sent away to Upper Egypt. It is believed he died from a snake bite shortly after 283 BC.
Works and Legacy
Demetrius was one of the last great orators (public speakers) from Athens. After him, the art of public speaking in Athens began to decline. His speeches were known for being smooth, graceful, and elegant. They were not as powerful as those of Demosthenes, another famous orator.
Literary Works
Demetrius wrote many books, especially during his time in Egypt. He wrote about a wide range of topics. These included history, politics, and philosophy. For example, he wrote a collection of Aesopic Fables. Sadly, all of his original writings have been lost over time. A book called On Style that has his name on it was actually written by someone else much later.
Impact on Education and Arts
In Athens, performing tragedies (a type of play) had become very expensive. To give people entertainment that was less costly but still educational, Demetrius arranged for poems like those of Homer to be recited on stage by performers called rhapsodists.
Demetrius also played a big role in the creation of the Mouseion in Alexandria. This was a famous center of learning and the home of the Library of Alexandria. The Mouseion was designed like Aristotle's school. It had a covered walkway, a communal dining room, and a well-organized collection of scrolls.
According to some old writings, Demetrius of Phaleron helped organize the Library of Alexandria. This happened under the rule of Ptolemy I Soter. Other sources say it was created under his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
See also
In Spanish: Demetrio de Falero para niños
