Portrait: AI-generated imagined likeness

Pericles

Politician · Military leader

Years: c. 494 BC–c. 429 BC
Birthplace: Greece
Birth polity: Athens
Era: Ancient
Field: Politics
Occupations: Politician · Military leader

A politician who led the height of ancient Athenian democracy. He is a person who understands the connections between direct democracy, maritime empire, and the development of classical culture. It connects local history and world history and provides clues for deciphering changes during the same era.

View in catalog

Historical context

Places

Athens
Birth

Events

Age of Pericles
461 BC–429 BC
Political event · Leader
Peloponnesian War
431 BC–429 BC
War · Leader

Origins

Origins map

Birth country

Birth country: Greece

Map: Natural Earth (PD)

Biography

Early life

Born into a prestigious family in Athens, he distinguished himself through his oratory and political activities. He was active after the Persian War, when Athens was expanding its influence through the Delian League.

Achievements

It developed a democratic government centered on the people's association and supported public architecture and the arts. The construction of the Parthenon was a project that demonstrated Athens' political and cultural prestige.

Character & anecdotes

Although he was a leader of a democratic government, he was also a person who had a long and strong influence. It provides material for thinking about the relationship between democracy and leaders.

Historical Impact

When we study Pericles, we learn that while the democracy of ancient Greece was a free civil government, it was also based on alliance rule and war. When you look at the people's activities and works together, it becomes easier to understand the terms in textbooks as concrete historical trends.