Commentary

1-16 Theomnestos' speech. This section is both a speech in its own right, containing all the expected elements (introduction §1, narrative §§2-10, argument §§11-13, and epilogue §§14-15) and the introduction to Apollodoros' speech, which has little in the way of formal introduction. Its primary purpose is to remove various sources of jury prejudice against the prosecution and to create prejudice against Stephanos. In this type of case the law allowed for substantial rewards for successful prosecutors (cf. §16); in view of the Athenian hostility against the use of the lawcourts for personal gain it is necessary for Theomnestos to disclaim any desire for profit (cl. esp. 53.1ff.). Secondly, Apollodoros' extensive involvement in litigation may well have made him unpopular with Athenian juries, which disapproved of hasty recourse to the law. Theomnestos redirects this prejudice against Stephanos; he represents Stephanos as the aggressor, and stresses that there was no honourable alternative to litigation. Thirdly, given his youth, the political background and the seriousness of the case, Theomnestos inevitably faces the suspicion that he is merely a tool of Apollodoros; to dispel this suspicion he exaggerates his own role as victim and avenger. This section also establishes to the moral character of prosecution and defence ...

Introduction

This chapter covers Demosthenes' prosecution speech that was delivered by Apollodoros, son of Pasion, against Neaera. It introduces Apollodoros, who is well known from a number of speeches preserved in the Demosthenic corpus and was involved in an unusual amount of litigation. It also discusses Stephanos, who belongs to the host of lesser politicians who attached themselves to the major political figures like Apollodoros. The chapter highlights Neaera's career as a slave prostitute in Corinth, who was subsequently acquired for sexual purposes by Timanoridas of Corinth and Eukrates of Leukas. It recounts how Neaera was able to purchase her freedom with the aid of an Athenian lover named Phrynion.

Apollodoros Against Neaira [Demosthenes] 59 Text and Translation

Πολλά‎ με‎ τα‎ παρακαλοϋντα‎ ην‎, ίΟ‎ άνδρες‎ 'Αθηναίοι‎, γράφασθαι‎ Νέαιραν‎ την‎ γραφήν‎ ταυτηνΙ‎ κα‎] είσελθείν‎ είς‎ ύμας‎. καί‎ γαρ‎ ήδικήμεθα‎ ύπο‎ Στεφάνου...