Thebans, Thebes, second Athenian Empire

Macedon, Macedonian

the etymology of "barbarian" and "babbler"

Philip II of Macedon 382-336 B.C.; father of Alexander

Polis was supplanted by leagues, alliances, associations and empires. It has failed as an effective agent of political organization.

Aristotle's Ideal State

1. A state should be governed by a few; namely, oligarchy (oligos = few, archy = rule)
2. The best citizens should rule: hoi aristoi = "the best"; aristocracy

Plato's Ideal State

1. A state where kings would be philosophers and philosophers would be kings
2. Those best in mind should be entrusted with rule

Isocrates 436-338 B.C.

• Panhellenism; "all-Greek"-ism, to unite all Greeks in a great crusade against Persians

Demosthenes 384-322 B.C.

• Raises his voice in defense of the autonomy, the independence, the validity of the polis.
• Delivered a series of four Philippic orations: orations against Philip. (to warn that the danger is from Macedon)

336 B.C.; Philip II killed in a palace intrigue

Alexander the Great, 356-323 B.C.; Hellenistic world