Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898)

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Diopīthes

（Διοπείθης).

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1.

An absurd character at Athens, half fanatic and half impostor, who traded in oracles and was the butt of the comic poets (Suet. Vesp. 380; Aves, 988, schol.).

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2.

An Athenian general, father of the poet Menander, sent out to the Thracian Chersonesus, about B.C. 344, at the head of a body of Athenian colonists (κληροῦχοι). Becoming involved in disputes with the Cardians, who had the support of Philip of Macedon, the latter sent a letter of remonstrance to Athens. Diopithes was impeached by the Macedonian party among the Athenians, but was ably defended by Demosthenes in the oration, still extant, “On the Chersonesus” (B.C. 341), so that he was permitted to retain his command. Subsequently he engaged in a military expedition against Philip, with much spirit and success (Diod. xvi. 75; Aristot. Rhet. ii. 8, 11).