Ancient Greek Oratory: Art of Persuasion

Ancient Greek Oratory: Origins and Evolution

Speeches have been a fundamental part of Greek literature since its inception. The Homeric poems, for instance, contain famous examples. Later poetry, tragedy, and historical accounts also feature significant discourses. However, it was not until the second half of the 5th century BCE that speech developed into a distinct discipline with its own rules and a recognized literary genre.

Its emergence was a direct result of the democratic regimes established in cities like Athens and Syracuse. Two primary factors fueled its development:

• On one hand, democracy offered every citizen the opportunity to speak publicly in the assembly.
• On the other, democratic disputes were settled before large popular courts where defendants had to present their own speeches in person.

Decisions in these tribunals were made by secret ballot, based on the impression the speeches made on the members, who often lacked prior legal training. The main objective of these speeches was to impress and persuade the audience.

Types of Greek Oratory

• Symbouleutic: Speeches addressed to the assembly or other deliberative political institutions.
• Dikaios: Speeches delivered before the courts.
• Epideictic: Speeches presented on solemn occasions, often for display or praise.

Methods of Persuasion in Oratory

Classical Greek rhetoric identified three primary methods of persuasion:

• Ethos: The credibility and character of the speaker as perceived by the audience.
• Pathos: The speaker's ability to evoke emotional responses in the audience through their speech.
• Logos: Considered the most important of the three, referring to the logical truth and coherence of the arguments presented.

Key Figures in Greek Oratory

• Isocrates: One of the most influential figures in 4th-century BCE Greek oratory. He practiced all forms of oratory but eventually focused on teaching rhetoric at his school in Athens, emphasizing moral education. He considered rhetoric the primary educational tool, surpassing science and philosophy. He is particularly known for his Eulogy.
• Lysias: Most of his judicial speeches were written for others. He is celebrated for the simplicity and vividness of his style, effectively outlining situations and portraying the characters and personalities of his clients. His work Against Eratosthenes is notable.
• Demosthenes: Renowned for his great intellectual vigor and mastery of sentence structure. He practiced all three genres of oratory and is famous for his powerful Invectives.
• Aeschines: A prominent orator and political rival of Demosthenes.