Phocion

Family: Athenian · Role: statesman · First appears: Timoleon

In his youth, Phocion studied under Plato and Xenocrates in the Academy, then followed Chabrias, who taught him military knowledge, secured him commands, and remained his friend beyond death. At Naxos, Chabrias entrusted him with the left squadron, and “the sea-fight at Naxos added not a little to Phocion's reputation”; he later defeated Plutarch of Eretria at Eretria, captured Zaretra, and drove Philip from the Hellespont at Byzantium, with Leon vouching for him to the city.

As an Athenian statesman, Phocion contended sharply with opponents of the measures he urged for the public good, including Demosthenes, Hyperides, Lycurgus, Aristogiton, and Timoleon’s associate Leosthenes. He was counted a friend by Antipater and Nicanor, received a gift from Alexander though their friendship later ended, and interceded for Echecratides, Athenodorus, Demaratus, and Sparton. He also labored to correct Ctesippus, his son Phocus was connected to him as a parent, and Charicles was his son-in-law; he was compared with Cato the Younger.

At Munychia, Athens accepted Antipater’s terms and received a garrison under Menyllus, one of Phocion’s acquaintances. Later, Agnonides impeached him for treason, and after a hostile trial Phocion and his companions, including Nicocles and Thudippus, were condemned; “they condemned them all to death.” Phocion and his companions drank poison, and in a very little time Athens decreed him a bronze statue and honorable burial at public expense, while Agnonides was executed.