Pericles

Pericles was an Athenian statesman, orator, and general who was one of the most influential figures in classical Athens.

Pericles was an Athenian statesman, orator, and general who was one of the most influential figures in classical Athens. He is associated with the full development of Athenian democracy, the expansion of the Athenian empire, and the cultural flowering known as the Age of Pericles. Thucydides described him as 'the first citizen of Athens.'

Early life and background

Pericles was born around 495 BC in Athens into a prominent family. His education and family connections helped shape his later political career.

Political leadership

Pericles became the leading figure of Athens after 461 BC and was repeatedly elected to the position of strategos. He was closely associated with democratic reforms and the concentration of Athenian power. Thucydides described him as 'the first citizen of Athens.'

Athens during the Golden Age

His period of influence coincided with Athens becoming a major cultural and political centre of Greece. He supported major building projects on the Acropolis, including the Parthenon. Public works and artistic patronage made this era famous for architecture and intellectual life.

Peloponnesian War and death

Pericles led Athens at the start of the Peloponnesian War and defended a strategy based on naval power and avoiding direct land battles. He died in 429 BC during the plague that struck Athens.