Phocion facts for kids
Phocion (around 402 – 318 BC) was a very important leader and general in ancient Athens, Greece. He was known as "The Good" because he lived a very simple and honest life. People in Athens thought he was the most truthful politician.
Phocion was elected as a general (called a strategos) a record 45 times! This meant he held one of the most important jobs in Athens for most of his 84 years. Even though he often disagreed with other politicians, his honesty and military skills made him respected.
Later in his life, when Macedon took control of Athens, Phocion tried to protect his city and its people. He even refused some unfair demands from the enemy. However, this put him against both the Macedonian ruler and many Athenians. He was eventually sent back to Athens and sentenced to death for treason by the people's assembly.
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Phocion's Early Life
Phocion studied with famous thinkers like Plato and was friends with Xenocrates. This education helped him become a person with strong morals and good advice. Even though he learned a lot about philosophy, he first became famous as a soldier.
A Simple Lifestyle
Athenians respected Phocion for his honesty. He was a serious person and rarely showed strong emotions like laughing or crying. Some people found him a bit scary at first!
Phocion believed that living a simple life showed his good character. He never went to public baths. He always wore a plain tunic and no shoes, even when walking in Athens or during military campaigns. Only in very cold weather would he wear a cloak, which made other soldiers joke that he was a weather forecast!
He lived in a humble home near the Acropolis with simple decorations. His wife baked their bread and cooked their meals herself. Phocion even pumped his own water.
Phocion was married twice. His second wife was known for her humility. She once said her only decoration was Phocion being appointed general for the twentieth time!
Phocion sent his son, Phocus, to Sparta for a while when he was a child. Sparta was famous for its simple and tough way of life.
Early Military Service
When he was young, Phocion served in many military campaigns with General Chabrias. He gained a lot of experience. Chabrias respected Phocion because he helped balance Chabrias's wild personality. Phocion became well-known among Athenians for his important actions in these campaigns.
In 376 BC, Phocion played a key role in the Athenian navy's victory at Naxos. He led the left side of the fleet. This was the first clear Athenian victory since the Peloponnesian War, so the Athenians honored their military leaders greatly.
After Chabrias died, Phocion took care of his family, especially his son, Ctesippus. Phocion found Ctesippus's slow nature difficult to deal with. He once famously said, "O Chabrias, did ever a man show so much gratitude as I do in putting up with your son!"
Phocion in the Athenian Assembly
People saw Phocion as the most serious and wisest politician in Athens. However, in the Athenian Assembly, he often disagreed with most of his fellow politicians. His criticisms were often unpopular.
Once, a message from the Delphi oracle said that one man would stand against all other politicians. Phocion immediately stood up and said, "I am that person who disagrees." Another time, after the assembly applauded him, he asked his friends, "Have I accidentally said something bad?" The famous speaker Demosthenes even called him "the chopper of my speeches" because Phocion was so direct.
Phocion once said, "You may force me to act against my wishes, but you shall never force me to speak against my judgment." This showed his strong will.
Phocion was kind even to his rivals. He would help them if they were in trouble. He also wanted Athens to return to its old ways, where politicians could handle both civilian and military matters, instead of having separate groups for each.
Phocion was known for his wise and short sayings. He avoided trying to win people over with fancy words. His style was direct and demanding. He would spend a lot of time thinking about how to make his speeches as short as possible. A friend once asked him, "You seem to be thinking about something, Phocion," and he replied, "Yes, I am considering whether I can shorten the speech I am going to make."
Famous Sayings
When someone joked about his serious face, and some rival politicians laughed, Phocion said, "My frown never yet made any of you sad, but these jolly men have given you plenty of sorrow."
Demosthenes once told Phocion that the people might kill him if they became angry. Phocion replied, "Yes; however, they would kill you if they came to their senses."
Another time, when Phocion was being heavily criticized by the assembly, he asked a man named Archibiades, who liked to act like a Spartan, to support him. But Archibiades sided with the crowd. Phocion then grabbed Archibiades' Spartan-style beard and said, "It's time for you to shave."
There was an assemblyman named Aristogeiton who often called for war. But when it was time to join the army, he showed up with bandages and a cane. Phocion shouted to the officer, "Put down Aristogeiton too, as lame and unfit for service." Later, when Aristogeiton was in jail, Phocion visited him often. When his friends criticized him, Phocion said, "Come on! There is no better place to visit Aristogeiton."
During a disagreement with Thebes, Phocion suggested talking things out, while most Athenians wanted war. He argued, "You had better carry on the contest with the weapons you use best: your tongues."
A politician named Polyeuctos, who was not in good shape, once gave a speech for war against Philip II of Macedon. He kept stopping to drink water and catch his breath. Phocion remarked, "Here is a fine man to lead us into war. What do you think he'll do when he is carrying his shield and armor to meet the enemy, if giving a speech has nearly killed him with exhaustion?"
A Record-Breaking General
Even though Phocion never asked for the job, he was appointed general (strategos) a record 45 times! Sometimes, people had to go find him after the elections because he wasn't there. But he always accepted the role.
Managing the Second Athenian League
Phocion was sent to the Aegean Sea to collect money from cities that were part of the Second Athenian League. Athenian representatives were often disliked by these allied cities. Phocion was given 20 warships, but he refused them. He said, "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." So, he went with just his own ship. He was so good at talking to people that he returned home with a large fleet of allied ships, which helped protect Athens' money. The allies even held parades for him!
Campaign in Euboea against Macedon
In 349 BC, Philip II of Macedon invaded Euboea and set up many local rulers. Phocion went there with a small army, hoping to win over the Euboeans peacefully. But Philip had bribed many local politicians. Phocion set up his camp on a hill and told his men to ignore those who were not doing their duty because of Macedonian bribes. He explained, "They are useless to us and furthermore, they will get in the way of those that are loyal."
In 348 BC, a Euboean general named Callias, supported by Macedon, attacked Phocion's camp. Phocion spent a long time making religious sacrifices before the battle. Some of his soldiers, thinking he was a coward, rushed out to fight without orders. The Athenian cavalry was disorganized and was easily defeated. The Euboeans then started attacking the Athenian camp.
After Phocion finished his sacrifices, he led his main army into battle. He attacked the enemy while they were busy trying to break into the camp. Phocion's forces defeated them. With his best men, Phocion fought the main enemy groups in a fierce battle and won. He then freed the captured enemies, fearing Athenians might treat them too harshly.
After this, Phocion captured a fort called Zaretra in Euboea and then returned to Athens.
Campaign to Push Philip II from Byzantium
Philip II of Macedon was trying to capture important cities like Perinthus and Byzantium. The Athenians sent a general named Chares to stop him, but the Greek cities didn't trust Chares. So, his army couldn't do much. The Athenians were angry and wanted to cancel the mission. Phocion stepped in, saying, "You shouldn't be angry at our allies. You should blame our generals, because of whom we are feared even by those who need us most."
In 339 BC, Phocion was sent to the region. Luckily for him, a friend from his academy days, Leon, who was a respected Byzantine, promised that Athens would act honorably. So, Phocion's army was welcomed into Byzantium, where the Athenian soldiers behaved very well. They fought bravely to defend the city. Phocion then attacked the Macedonians in the area, freeing many cities. Macedon was forced to leave the region for a while.
Phocion was wounded and returned to Athens.
Secretly, the people of Megara asked Phocion for military help. He arrived with his army and was warmly welcomed. He built two long walls from Megara to its seaport. The Megarians felt so safe that they became allies with Athens.
Facing Macedon
Athens Under Philip II
Phocion believed Athens should avoid war with Macedon because it could be disastrous. Even though he had won battles against Macedon, he saw it as a growing power. He doubted if Athens should strongly oppose it. However, Athenians preferred speakers like Demosthenes who wanted war, especially since Athens seemed strong enough. Philip, on the other hand, wanted Athens to join him against Persia, using their strong navy.
When Athens decided to fight Philip, Phocion was away. He returned and spoke against the war. A lawyer asked if he was going against the people's will. Phocion replied, "Yes, even though I know that if there is war I will be your boss, and if there is peace you will be mine." Athens did not change its mind. When discussing where to fight, Phocion advised, "Let us not ask where we should fight, but how we may win. That will be the way to keep war at a distance. If we are beaten in a distant battle, it will soon be at our doors."
Sadly, Athens and its allies suffered a terrible defeat at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC. After this, the Athenian leaders supported Phocion to be general.
Phocion tried to delay the Macedonian army from taking over Athens. He wanted to talk directly with Philip, hoping for a fair deal. He didn't want Athens to join a meeting of Greek states where they might be forced to accept harsh terms. However, another politician, Demades, suggested joining the meeting, and Athens agreed. They soon regretted it, as Philip made Athens provide ships and cavalry. When Athenians were sad, Phocion said, "I was opposed to the motion, fearing this. Now the deed is done, and we must make the best of it. We shouldn't be without hope, though. Our ancestors suffered similar episodes of subjection, but they carried on, and because of that both Athens and Greece as a whole survived."
Later, when Philip died in 336 BC, Phocion stopped all celebrations. He said, "The army which defeated us at Chaeronea has lost just one man."
Relations with Alexander the Great
When the new Macedonian king, Alexander, was about to attack Thebes, Demosthenes spoke out strongly against him. Phocion stepped in, using lines from the poet Homer: "Foolhardy man, why provoke one whose temper is already savage? Why provoke this Macedonian who is full of limitless ambition? When there is a holocaust on our borders, do you wish to spread the flames to our city as well, by 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 to destroy themselves, even if they wish it."
Thebes was destroyed. Alexander then demanded that Athens hand over its most anti-Macedonian politicians, including Demosthenes. The assembly called on Phocion to speak. Phocion called his best friend, Nicocles, to stand beside him and said, "We have been brought to a pass. I would deliver Nicocles if they might request it. We must reduce the wrath of our conqueror, rather than oppose him." Even so, the Athenian Assembly refused Alexander's demand.
Alexander refused to see other Athenian ambassadors, so Phocion was sent. Alexander respected Phocion, just as his father Philip had. Alexander listened carefully to Phocion's ideas. Phocion convinced Alexander to drop his demand for the Athenian politicians. Alexander even asked Phocion for advice! Phocion told him, "If Macedonia wishes peace, it should abandon the war. If Macedonia desires glory, it should turn against Persia, instead of oppressing Greece." Alexander favored Phocion, even more than some Macedonians. After Alexander defeated the Persian Emperor Darius III, he even greeted Phocion personally in his letters. Phocion continued to promote peace. Alexander asked for some Athenian warships, and Phocion supported it, saying, "You should either possess superior strength or side with those that do."
The Lamian War
In 323 BC, rumors reached Athens that Alexander had died. Phocion was cautious and said, "If he is dead now, he will be dead tomorrow as well. We must be cautious before celebrating." Macedonian leaders began fighting for power. Antipater seemed to be the strongest. The Athenians quickly rebelled against Macedon. Leosthenes, the rebel leader, shared the general's job with Phocion. This started the Lamian War, which Phocion had opposed.
Leosthenes asked Phocion about his past achievements. Phocion replied, "Do you think it is nothing then that our citizens are all buried at home in their own tombs?" Other assembly members asked if their military preparations were enough. 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."
Phocion was ordered to lead military actions against Boeotia. He cleverly called on all Athenians under 60 to join the army. When older people protested, Phocion said, "This is fair! Although I am 80 years old, I will lead the attack." This calmed everyone down.
On another front, Antipater's army was surrounded by the Greeks near Lamia. The Athenians were overjoyed. 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 wondering when the good news will end." Leosthenes soon died fighting Macedonian forces. A new general, Antiphilus, was appointed.
In 322 BC, Phocion quickly led Athenian forces against Micion, who had landed at Rhamnus with Macedonian soldiers. So many people came to give him military advice that he exclaimed, "Heracles, how many generals we have, and how few soldiers!" He then attacked and completely defeated them, killing Micion. At the same time, the Greeks defeated the Macedonians in Thessaly. However, Craterus arrived with a large army from Asia, and the Greeks were defeated at Crannon in 322 BC.
Antipater soon approached Athens. Demades, another peace supporter, was the only other Athenian leader who didn't run away. He suggested sending a group to negotiate peace. Phocion commented, "If I had been listened to before, the Athenians wouldn't need to be discussing such things." At Thebes, Phocion and Demades met Antipater. Phocion was well received. When Phocion asked Antipater to stop his advance and listen to peace offers, Craterus argued that it was unfair for their army to sit idle while enemy lands could be easily attacked. Antipater's only demand was that Athens surrender completely.
In a second meeting, Antipater announced new peace terms:
- Many Athenian politicians, like Demosthenes, would be handed over to the Macedonians.
- Only landowners would be allowed to vote in Athens.
- A Macedonian army would be placed in Munychia, a neighborhood near the port of Piraeus.
- Athens would pay for the war and an extra fine.
Phocion argued against the Macedonian army being placed in Athens, but he failed. However, Phocion knew the Macedonian commander, Menyllus, personally. 12,000 Athenians lost their right to vote, and many had to move away. Phocion helped some exiles get citizenship in the Peloponnesus area.
Phocion's Rule in Athens
Phocion became the unofficial leader of Athens and worked hard to keep the peace. Because of his influence, only fair people were chosen for public jobs, and rebellious people were not allowed to hold office. However, Phocion refused when Antipater asked him to do dishonorable things, saying, "I can't be both his friend and his flatterer." He also protected a refugee named Harpalus.
After these events, Phocion became quite unpopular. People accused him of giving Athens over to Antipater. Athenians were especially angry about what happened to Demosthenes, who was sent away and died soon after. This seemed like a personal betrayal since Phocion had supported Demosthenes earlier in his career.
The Crisis with Polyperchon
In 319 BC, before he died, Antipater chose General Polyperchon to be the next Macedonian ruler, instead of his own son, Cassander. Soon, Cassander began plotting against Polyperchon. Cassander arranged for Nicanor to replace Menyllus at Munychia, with orders to control Attica. In Athens, Phocion was accused of helping Cassander and delaying military action against Nicanor, which allowed Nicanor to take the Piraeus port. Phocion denied these rumors. He met Nicanor and asked for kind treatment for the Athenians. Phocion also convinced Nicanor to host local games, and the Macedonian spent a lot of money on the event.
Athenians were divided. Phocion belonged to the party of the rich minority, who supported Cassander. Most citizens, however, supported Polyperchon because he promised to bring back democracy, allow Athenian exiles to return, and remove the Macedonian army. Phocion, still a general, openly supported Nicanor. He ignored rumors that Nicanor would invade Athens.
Phocion was meeting with Nicanor at Piraeus when Athenian soldiers tried to arrest the Macedonian general. Phocion helped Nicanor escape, saying, "I don't believe that he would harm Athens although, still, I would defend him if he may wrong us." Later, the Athenian Assembly ordered Phocion to attack Nicanor at Munychia. Phocion first refused. Then, Nicanor used his Macedonian soldiers to seize Piraeus, with Phocion's cooperation. When Phocion finally decided to attack them, the Athenian soldiers had already rebelled against his command.
In 318 BC, Polyperchon decided to change Athenian politics to suit his own interests. He favored the popular party, bringing back all liberties. His son, Alexander, arrived in Athens with a Macedonian army. Athenian exiles, who were more than half of all citizens, returned home, wanting revenge against the politicians who had betrayed democracy. Polyperchon expected Phocion to be forced to leave the city. The Macedonians would then take full control of Athens. Phocion was immediately removed from his position as general by an unofficial assembly.
Death Sentence
An Athenian speaker named Agnonides accused Phocion of being a traitor because he had refused, and then delayed, attacking Nicanor. Phocion decided to meet Polyperchon in person. Phocion gathered a group of politicians who were well-regarded by the Macedonian ruler. However, their trip was delayed because one member got sick. During this time, Agnonides suggested sending another group to formally accuse Phocion before Polyperchon, and the Athenian Assembly agreed. Both groups arrived at the same time before the Macedonian ruler in Phocis.
Polyperchon arrested one politician from Phocion's group but said he would listen to both sides. When many people tried to speak at once, Agnonides suggested putting them all in a single cage and taking them back to Athens to decide the issue there. Polyperchon smiled at this idea. When Phocion started speaking, Polyperchon kept interrupting him so much that Phocion hit the floor with his staff and refused to say another word. Then, Polyperchon ordered Phocion and his friends to be arrested. Most of his group escaped, but those closest to him were seized.
Polyperchon sent a written order saying that the accused prisoners would be judged by the now-free people of Athens. Phocion was brought back to Athens and taken straight to the place of judgment. A huge crowd gathered. The Athenian leaders managed the process. Anyone could participate, including slaves, foreigners, and those who had lost their voting rights.
Polyperchon's letter was read, and the crowd shouted against the oligarchs, who they saw as 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 deserve condemnation for my political actions. However, these other individuals don't." Some people replied that they should be condemned for being his friends. At that point, Phocion gave up. Then, Agnonides read the motion to condemn them. The entire crowd stood up together. Phocion and ten of his friends were sentenced to die by drinking hemlock.
Execution and Aftermath
They were taken to a prison where Phocion drank his poison and died. This happened on May 19, 318 BC, which was the day of a traditional Athenian parade for Zeus.
It was decided that Phocion's body could not be buried in Attica, nor could anyone burn it there. A man was hired to take his body across the border into Megara, where it was burned. Phocion's wife set up an empty tomb, then secretly brought his bones and heart back home at night and buried them there.
Soon after, Cassander gained control of Athens and put Phocion's party back in power. The new rulers properly reburied Phocion's remains at public expense and put up a bronze statue of him. They then executed Agnonides. Phocion's son, Phocus, tracked down and killed two other accusers who had fled the city.
Phocion "The Good"
Phocion was known as "The Good" because of his honesty. He could have become extremely rich from his public offices or from the large sums of money he managed. Instead, he was honest and lived a very simple life. This was unusual because many other Athenian politicians at that time were quite corrupt.
Philip II of Macedon offered Phocion a lot of money and mentioned his sons' future needs. Phocion replied, "If my sons are like me, my farm, which has enabled my present eminence, will suffice for them. If, instead, they become spoiled by luxury, I will not be the individual who will be guilty for that."
Alexander the Great sent people to offer Phocion a huge sum of money (100 talents), but Phocion refused. He said, "I am an honorable man. I would not harm either Alexander's reputation or mine." Then, Alexander offered him control of the cities of Cius, Mylasa, and Elaea. Phocion refused these as well, but he did ask for the release of some men who were enslaved in Sardis, and they were quickly freed. Alexander died soon after, in 323 BC.
In 322 BC, Harpalus arrived in Athens from Asia, seeking safety. He tried to give Phocion 700 talents, but Phocion rejected the offer. Phocion warned him not to try to corrupt Athens, or he would be punished. Harpalus then used his bribes to turn the assembly against Phocion. However, Phocion continued to help Harpalus within ethical limits. Harpalus became friends with Phocion's son-in-law, Charicles. Charicles eventually accepted a large payment to build a tomb for Harpalus's mistress and was investigated for corruption. Phocion refused to help him at the trial, saying, "I chose you to be my son-in-law only for honorable purposes."
Phocion also refused gifts from Menyllus, saying, "You are not a better man than Alexander, so there is no reason to accept your gifts." Menyllus then used his bribes to become friends with Phocion's son, Phocus.
Images for kids
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Locations of the most important events of Phocion's life.
See also
- In Spanish: Foción para niños
