Phocion

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | 700+ words | Copyright

Phocion , c.402–318 BC, Athenian general. He served successfully against the forces of Philip of Macedon—in Euboea (now Évvoia; 348 BC) and at Byzantium (339), when he forced Philip to abandon his siege of that city. In Athens, Phocion was a leader of the party that urged conciliation with the Macedonians; he was opposed by Demosthenes. When the Athenians refused to comply with Alexander's demand for the surrender of Demosthenes, Phocion led a successful embassy of conciliation to Alexander. In the turmoil following the death of Antipater (319), Phocion intrigued with Cassander . Later, when the Athenian democracy, which had been curtailed by Antipater, was restored, the democrats forced Phocion to drink hemlock; shortly after his death, however, they raised a statue in his honor.

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