Demosthenes (384-322 BC), Greek statesman and orator. His orations provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. He devoted himself to opposing Philip II expansion of Macedon. After Philip's death, Demosthenes played a leading part in his city's uprising against Alexander the Great. His efforts failed and the revolt was met with a harsh Macedonian reaction. To prevent a similar revolt against his own rule, Alexander's successor in this region, Antipater, sent his men to track Demosthenes down. He committed suicide before his capture by taking poison out of a reed.