Pericles and the Golden Age of Athens One Man's Influence on the Beginnings of Democracy

After the Persian Wars... ~ Ancient Athens continued to practice democracy. Approximately 43,000 male citizens over the age of 18 were members of the assembly. They met every 10 days to pass laws, elect officials, and direct foreign policy. Usually fewer than 6,000 participated at any one time. The top ten officials elected each year were known as generals (strategos.) ~ The most important general in Athenian government was Pericles. ~ Pericles guided Athens for more than thirty years.

Statue of Greek boy, c. 3rd century BCE Pericles, the Boy Pericles grew up in Athens in a wealthy family. He was about three years old when Athens fought the battle of Marathon. He was among the Athenians who were evacuated during the Battle of Thermopolae and Salamis. He was very bright, and had some of the best teachers in Athens. He studied politics, ethics, philosophy, and music. Statue of Greek boy, c. 3rd century BCE

Pericles, Early Adult Life As a young man, Pericles used much of his wealth to support the arts. This helped him to become a popular figure in Athens. Together with some supporters, he took on a powerful council of leaders, and helped to break down their power, an important point in the history of democracy. As a general of the Athenian army, Pericles led several successful military campaigns.

Pericles as Leader... * The leadership of Pericles began a time which is known as the Golden Age of Athens. * Pericles worked on reforming the Athenian democracy: ~ He introduced new laws and ideas, for example, that people who served on a jury would be paid. ~ He appointed people to positions because of their abilities, not because they were members of a certain social class. ~ He brought more ordinary Athenians into government.

...Leader of a Direct Democracy Under Pericles, the Athenian city-state became the economic and cultural center of Greece. The Athenians especially took pride in their democratic system. Athenians practiced democracy, which was a radical concept at the time. The Athenian form of democracy is called direct democracy. In a direct democracy, all citizens meet to debate and vote on government matters. In a representative democracy, such as the one we have in the United States today, citizens elect a smaller group of people to represent them; they make laws and govern on the citizens' behalf.

Pericles as Builder Pericles is famous for his building projects. He loved the city of Athens, and wanted it to be the leader of the Greek world. He rebuilt many of the temples on the acropolis that had been destroyed by the Persians. He built the Parthenon on the acropolis. It was a magnificent building dedicated to the goddess, Athena. He had the Long Walls built to protect the city in the event of a siege.

Pericles and Art and Education Pericles supported writers, artists, teachers, sculptors, and architects. He allowed the poor to attend the theaters for free. Philosophers and their teachings flourished during the rule of Pericles. (Philosophers are thinkers who reflect on the meaning of life.) Athens became a great center for knowledge. Pericles called his city "the school of Greece."

Pericles as a Great Speaker During a public funeral for soldiers who had died in battle in a war between Athens and Sparta, Pericles talked about the greatness of Athens. He reminded the people that they made their government strong. He reminded them that citizens had to obey the rules in the constitution- their framework of government. He emphasized that the democratic way of life is worth protecting. This famous speech is called the Funeral Oration.

"Our constitution is called a democracy because power is in the hands not of a minority but of the whole people. When it is a question of settling private disputes, everyone is equal before the law..." "...therefore, having judged that to be happy is to be free, and to be free means to be brave, do not shy away from the risks of war..."

Pericles was not an emperor, a king, or even a president, yet he was able to lead Athens to the greatest glories the city would ever know. With all things good, how could anyone predict the dreadful future that awaited this magnificent city?

To help me remember.......... 1. In your notes, make a chart entitled "Age of Pericles" and list the accomplishments during the age of Pericles. Put a star * by the one you think is most important and tell why. 2. In a few sentences, compare and contrast a direct democracy and a representative democracy. Be sure to identify which one the Athenian government used and which our U.S. government uses today.