Demosthenes (384-322 BC) was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. He delivered his first judicial speeches at the age of 20 and made his living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits, before moving into politics. He devoted himself to opposing Philip II expansion of Macedon. After Philip's death, Demosthenes played a leading part in his city's uprising against the new King of Macedonia, Alexander the Great. However, his efforts failed and the revolt was met with a harsh Macedonian reaction. To prevent a similar revolt against his own rule, Alexander's successor in this region, Antipater, sent his men to track Demosthenes down. He committed suicide before his capture by taking poison out of a reed.