DEMADES (c. B.c.), Athenian orator. At one time a common sailor, he rose by his eloquence and unscrupulous character to a prominent position. He espoused the cause of Philip in the war against Olynthus, and thus became the enemy of Demosthenes, whom he at first supported. He fought against the Macedonians at Chaeroneia, and was taken prisoner. On his release he helped to negotiate peace between Macedonia and Athens. He continued to be a favourite of Alexander, and, prompted by a bribe, saved Demosthenes and the other obnoxious Athenian orators from his vengeance. It was also chiefly owing to him that Alexander, after the destruction of Thebes, treated Athens so leniently. His conduct in supporting the Macedonian cause, yet taking bribes from the opposite party, caused him to be heavily fined more than once; and he was finally deprived of his civil rights. He was reinstated (322) on the approach of Anti pater, to whom he was sent as ambassador. Before setting out he persuaded the citizens to pass sentence of death upon Demos thenes and his followers, who had fled from Athens. The result of his embassy was the conclusion of a peace greatly to the disad vantage of the Athenians. In 318 (or earlier) he was again sent to Antipater, who, learning that he had intrigued with Perdiccas, put him to death.