Pericles of Athens
Pericles, a prominent and influential statesman, orator, and general of Athens, lived during the city's Golden Age. His leadership marked a period known as the "Age of Pericles" which spanned roughly from 461 BC to 429 BC. This era, sometimes extended to include events earlier in the Greco-Persian Wars or later in the Peloponnesian War, was characterized by Athenian political hegemony, cultural achievement, and the establishment of democracy.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Pericles was born into a wealthy and influential family, the Alcmaeonidae. His father, Xanthippus, was a hero of the Battle of Mycale, and his mother, Agariste, came from the powerful Alcmaeonid family. Pericles received an extensive education under the guidance of philosophers such as Anaxagoras. His political career began in earnest when he was elected as strategos, a military general, and he held this position for many years.
Political Career
Pericles played a crucial role in developing the Athenian democracy. By transferring power from the Areopagus, the traditional council of nobility, to the people's assembly, he strengthened the democratic institutions. He also initiated the payment of stipends to jurors and other public officials, which enabled poorer citizens to participate in public life.
Under his leadership, Athens became the political and cultural center of Ancient Greece. Pericles initiated an ambitious project to beautify the city, which included the construction of the Parthenon on the Acropolis. These projects not only glorified Athens but also provided employment for its citizens.
Role in the Peloponnesian War
Pericles's influence extended into military affairs, particularly during the early years of the Peloponnesian War. He advocated for a strategy of avoiding land battles with Sparta, focusing instead on maintaining Athenian naval superiority and relying on the fortifications of the city. This strategy, however, led to discontent among the citizens due to the plague and the prolonged nature of the war.
Oratory and Influence
Pericles was renowned for his oratory skills. According to the historian Thucydides, Pericles was "the first citizen of Athens." His speeches were characterized by their clarity and effective rhetoric, often avoiding the emotional appeals used by other orators such as Demosthenes. He famously delivered the Funeral Oration, which celebrated the virtues of Athenian democracy and commemorated those who had fallen in battle.
Personal Life
Pericles also had a significant personal life intertwined with his political career. He had a close relationship with Aspasia, a woman of exceptional intellect and influence. Aspasia was reputed to have had a profound impact on Pericles's thoughts and policies, despite the societal norms restricting women's roles in public life.
Legacy
Pericles's legacy is monumental; his era laid the foundation for Western civilization. The cultural, political, and architectural advancements during the "Age of Pericles" continue to influence modern thought and governance.