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Demetrius Phalereus

A disciple of Theophrastus, who gained such influence over the Athenians by his eloquence and the purity of his manners, that he was elected decennial archon, B. C. 317. He embellished the city, and rendered himself popular by his munificence, but his enemies plotted against him, and he fled to the court of Ptolemy Lagus, where he was received with kindness. He put an end to his life by permitting an asp to bite him, B. C. 284. There are several others of the name of Demetrius of minor note.