Pericles: The Athenian Statesman Who Shaped the Golden Age
Pericles, born in 495 BC, was a prominent Athenian political leader during the 5th century BC, a period known as the Athenian Golden Age. He rose to power after the ostracism of his rival Cimon and the assassination of his mentor Ephialtes. Pericles strengthened Athenian democracy by introducing payments for public service and used funds from the Delian League treasury to finance major construction projects, including the Parthenon and other structures on the Acropolis. His leadership saw Athens engage in the First Peloponnesian War against Sparta. Pericles died in 429 BC during a plague that struck Athens, leaving a complex legacy of democratic advancement and controversial financial practices.
Key facts
- Pericles was born in 495 BC into a wealthy Athenian family.
- He became the leading political figure in Athens after the exile of Cimon in 461 BC.
- Pericles used Delian League funds to build the Parthenon and other Athenian monuments.
- He led Athens during the First Peloponnesian War against Sparta.
- Pericles died in 429 BC during a plague that killed a quarter of Athens' population.
Entities
Artists
Locations
- Athens
- Sparta
- Delos