key term - Pericles

Definition

Pericles was an influential Athenian statesman and general during Athens' Golden Age, specifically from around 461 to 429 BCE. He is best known for promoting democracy in Athens and leading the city-state during the early part of the Peloponnesian War, establishing the foundations of Athenian democracy that shaped the political landscape of Greek city-states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pericles is often credited with transforming Athens into a powerful and culturally vibrant city-state, fostering advancements in arts, philosophy, and architecture.
2. He implemented reforms that expanded citizenship rights, making Athenian democracy more inclusive by allowing poorer citizens to participate in government.
3. Under his leadership, the construction of the Parthenon was completed, symbolizing Athenian power and cultural achievement.
4. Pericles delivered the famous Funeral Oration, celebrating Athenian democracy and the sacrifices made by its soldiers during the early stages of the Peloponnesian War.
5. His strategies during the Peloponnesian War emphasized naval power and defensive tactics, which initially brought success but eventually led to challenges as the war progressed.

Review Questions

• How did Pericles influence the development of Athenian democracy and what reforms did he implement?
  • Pericles played a crucial role in enhancing Athenian democracy by implementing reforms that expanded citizenship rights, enabling even poorer citizens to participate in political life. He encouraged direct participation in government decisions through assemblies and juries, making Athenian democracy more inclusive. His leadership not only strengthened democratic practices but also fostered a sense of civic responsibility among citizens, thereby establishing a model for future democratic systems.
• Discuss the impact of Pericles' architectural projects on Athenian society and how they reflected his vision for Athens.
  • Pericles' architectural projects had a profound impact on Athenian society, symbolizing both its power and cultural sophistication. The most notable project was the construction of the Parthenon on the Acropolis, which not only showcased Athenian artistry but also served as a religious center dedicated to Athena. These grand structures reflected Pericles' vision of a glorious Athens that would stand as a beacon of democracy and civilization in ancient Greece, reinforcing civic pride among its citizens.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Pericles' military strategies during the early stages of the Peloponnesian War and their long-term consequences for Athens.
  • Pericles’ military strategies during the early stages of the Peloponnesian War focused on utilizing Athens' naval superiority while adopting a defensive stance on land. This approach initially proved effective in safeguarding Athenian territory and maintaining supply lines. However, over time, this strategy contributed to significant challenges as prolonged warfare strained resources and morale. The eventual shifts in tactics by both Athens and Sparta marked critical turning points that revealed vulnerabilities in Pericles' original plans and ultimately led to devastating consequences for Athens in later stages of the conflict.

Related terms

Athenian Democracy: A system of direct democracy developed in Athens, allowing citizens to participate in decision-making processes, such as voting on legislation and executive decisions.

Acropolis: A prominent hill in Athens that served as a religious and cultural center, housing important structures like the Parthenon, built during Pericles' leadership.

Peloponnesian War:

A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, lasting from 431 to 404 BCE, which significantly affected the balance of power in ancient Greece.