Pericles

Pericles was a powerful statesman and general in ancient Athens.

He lived during a period often called the Golden Age of Athens. This era is sometimes known as the "Age of Pericles." He was a central figure in Athenian politics for many years. A contemporary historian named Thucydides called him the "first citizen of Athens."

Pericles helped transform the Delian League into an Athenian empire. He also led his people during the first two years of the Peloponnesian War.

Pericles was born into a wealthy and influential family. His father was the politician Xanthippus. His mother, Agariste, belonged to the noble Alcmaeonid family. This family connection helped launch his political career. As a young man, Pericles was quite introverted. He preferred studying to making public appearances. He studied music and became interested in philosophy. He was the first politician to treat philosophy as an important tool.

He was close friends with the philosopher Anaxagoras. Anaxagoras taught him to remain calm during difficult times. This emotional self-control became a famous part of his leadership style.

His political rise involved many complex shifts in power. In the early 460s BC, he began taking leadership roles. He faced a major rival named Cimon. Cimon led a conservative group in Athens. Pericles worked with a mentor named Ephialtes to change the government. In 461 BC, the democratic party reduced the power of the Areopagus. This council was a traditional group controlled by the aristocracy. This change helped start a new era of "radical democracy." Pericles eventually used a process called ostracism to remove Cimon from the city.

Pericles used several specific policies to support the common people. He was often called a populist for these actions. He proposed a decree so the poor could watch plays for free. The state paid for their admission to the theater. He also gave wages to citizens who served as jurymen.

In 458–457 BC, he lowered requirements for certain high offices. He also passed a law in 451 BC regarding citizenship. This law required both parents to be Athenian. Some critics believed these moves harmed the state. Others argued they gave the lower classes a way to strengthen Athens. This was important because the lower classes manned the Athenian fleet.

One of Pericles's greatest legacies was his massive building program. He wanted to beautify and protect the city of Athens. These projects also provided jobs for many citizens. He started the work that created most structures on the Acropolis.

The most famous of these buildings is the Parthenon.

These grand structures helped Athens become a center for culture and education. Artists and thinkers were drawn to the city because of this environment.

This helped establish Athens as a cultural leader in the Greek world.

Pericles also had to manage many military conflicts. He led excursions during the First Peloponnesian War. In 454 BC, he attacked Sicyon and Acarnania. He also attempted to conquer Oeniadea but was not successful. Later, he negotiated a five-year truce with Sparta. This was done alongside Cimon, who returned from exile. This period showed a shift in how Pericles handled foreign policy. He moved from direct conflict to more strategic diplomacy. However, the Athenians also faced disasters, such as a failed campaign in Egypt.

Life for Pericles ended during a time of great hardship. A serious sickness known as the Plague of Athens struck the city.

This plague weakened the city during its war with Sparta. Pericles and several members of his family died from the disease in 429 BC. His death left a void in Athenian leadership. After he was gone, Athens experienced much political turmoil. Despite this, his influence on democracy and architecture remains a major part of history.