Apollodoros the Son of Pasion

Abstract This is a study of an influential fourth-century BC Athenian politician, Apollodoros the son of Pasion. It provides the first full-length treatment of his career and of the seven lawcourt speeches which he delivered, and which have come down to us attributed-wrongly—to the famous orator Demosthenes. These speeches, which are our main source of information about Apollodoros, not only tell us about his political career but also illuminate Athenian banking and social attitudes, since his father had risen from servile origins to become a very wealthy banker and, ultimately, an Athenian citizen. Dr Trevett also considers the authenticity, style, and rhetorical technique of the speeches, and argues conclusively that they were all written by the same author, probably Apollodoros himself. At the same time, he shows that the speeches were composed with considerably more skill than has generally been recognized.