Demosthenes vs Fan Zeng

Demosthenes delivered his first speech against Philip II of Macedon, warning Athenians of the threat posed by Macedonian expansion. He urged Athens to take military action and prepare for war, marking the beginning of his lifelong opposition to Philip.

Demosthenes fought as a hoplite in the Athenian army at Chaeronea against Philip II of Macedon. The decisive Macedonian victory ended Greek independence and established Macedonian hegemony. Demosthenes fled the battlefield, but continued to resist Macedonian rule.

Demosthenes delivered his most famous speech, 'On the Crown,' defending his political career against attacks by Aeschines. The speech successfully argued for his patriotic service and resulted in Aeschines' exile, solidifying Demosthenes' reputation as Athens' greatest orator.

Demosthenes was accused of accepting bribes from Harpalus, Alexander's fugitive treasurer. He was convicted, fined 50 talents, and imprisoned. He later escaped and went into exile, a major setback in his political career.

After Athens' defeat in the Lamian War, Demosthenes was condemned to death by the pro-Macedonian regime. He fled to the Temple of Poseidon on Calauria and took poison to avoid capture, ending his life as a symbol of resistance to Macedonian domination.

Fan Zeng advised Xiang Yu to assassinate Liu Bang during the Feast at Hongmen, a banquet where Liu Bang was a guest. Xiang Yu hesitated and Liu Bang escaped. Fan Zeng later lamented that Xiang Yu's indecision would lead to their downfall.

Fan Zeng was captured by Liu Bang's forces during the siege of Xingyang. Liu Bang attempted to sow discord between Fan Zeng and Xiang Yu by pretending to negotiate with Fan Zeng. Xiang Yu became suspicious and dismissed Fan Zeng from his service.

After being dismissed by Xiang Yu, Fan Zeng died of illness on the road back to his hometown. His death removed Xiang Yu's most capable advisor, contributing to Xiang Yu's eventual defeat by Liu Bang at the Battle of Gaixia.