Pericles

Pericles

1868 Lawrence Alma-Tadema - Phidias Showing the Frieze of the Parthenon to his Friends

Perikles altes Museum

Aspasie Pio-Clementino Inv272

Anaxagoras and Pericles

Parthenon from south

Pericles (c. 495 – 429 BC) was a prominent and influential Greek statesman, orator, and general of Athens during the Golden Age of Athens. His period of leadership is known as the "Age of Pericles," a time when Athens saw a flourish in arts and literature and expanded its democratic government. He was a member of the Alcmaeonidae family and led Athens through the first two years of the Peloponnesian War.

Early Life

Pericles was born into a wealthy and influential family in Athens. His father, Xanthippus, was a famous Athenian politician and general, and his mother, Agariste, was a member of the powerful and rich Alcmaeonidae family. From a young age, Pericles was exposed to politics and philosophy, studying under notable teachers such as Zeno of Elea and Anaxagoras.

Political Career

Pericles entered politics in the early 460s BC and soon became a leading figure in the democratic faction. He championed the cause of democracy, advocating for reforms that increased the power of the Athenian assembly and reduced the influence of the aristocratic council. His policies included the introduction of pay for jury service, which allowed poorer citizens to participate in the legal system, and the construction of the Long Walls that connected Athens to its ports, securing its naval supremacy.

Cultural Contributions

Under Pericles' leadership, Athens experienced a cultural renaissance. He initiated the construction of the Parthenon and other significant structures on the Acropolis, employing the talents of artists like Phidias and architects like Ictinus and Callecrates. Pericles also supported the arts, drama, and philosophy, sponsoring playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides and the philosopher Socrates. His patronage helped Athens become the cultural and intellectual center of the ancient world.

Peloponnesian War

The growing power of Athens under Pericles' leadership led to increasing tensions with Sparta, culminating in the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War in 431 BC. Pericles' strategy was to avoid land battles with the Spartans, relying instead on the strength of the Athenian navy. He also ordered the rural population of Attica to move behind the city's walls for protection, a decision that led to overcrowding and a devastating plague that significantly weakened Athens and claimed Pericles' own life in 429 BC.

Legacy

Pericles' death marked the end of the Golden Age of Athens, as the city struggled to maintain its power and influence in the face of the ongoing Peloponnesian War. Despite his controversial policies and the eventual military defeat of Athens, Pericles is remembered for his contributions to the development of Athenian democracy and the flourishing of Athenian culture. His vision of Athens as a leader in arts, democracy, and philosophy has had a lasting impact on Western civilization.

See Also

• Golden Age of Athens
• Democracy in ancient Greece
• Peloponnesian War
• Acropolis of Athens