Pericles

**Pericles** was an influential Athenian statesman, orator, and general during the city's Golden Age, particularly known for his role in the development of Athenian democracy and the cultural achievements of Athens. His leadership during the early years of the **Peloponnesian War** and his famed **Funeral Oration** have made him an enduring figure in history. Pericles expanded the power and influence of Athens by consolidating the **Delian League** and transferring its treasury to Athens, using its resources to fund monumental building projects like the **Parthenon**. He was also instrumental in developing the city's democratic institutions, promoting reforms that included paying jurors and limiting citizenship to those with Athenian parentage on both sides.

Pericles is also remembered for his relationships with prominent figures and events. His lover, **Aspasia**, was a highly educated woman from Miletus who influenced Athenian society and politics. Pericles' friends and collaborators included the sculptor **Phidias**, who worked on the Parthenon, and the philosopher **Anaxagoras**. Despite his accomplishments, his life ended tragically when he died in the **plague of 429 BC** that swept through Athens, worsened by his strategy of bringing citizens within the **Long Walls** to avoid open battle with Sparta. This decision, while militarily strategic, led to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, which exacerbated the spread of disease.

### Common Clues Across Questions

1. **Funeral Oration** - Pericles delivered a famous funeral oration, recorded by Thucydides, honoring Athenian soldiers and extolling the virtues of democracy and Athenian society.

2. **Peloponnesian War** - Pericles led Athens during the early years of this conflict with Sparta, implementing a defensive strategy based on naval superiority and the Long Walls.

3. **Aspasia** - Pericles had a significant personal and intellectual relationship with Aspasia, a woman from Miletus, who was influential in Athenian society.

4. **Building Projects** - He commissioned major construction projects in Athens, most famously the Parthenon, and worked closely with Phidias on the Acropolis.

5. **Megarian Decree** - This decree, which sanctioned the city-state of Megara, is often cited as one of the causes of the Peloponnesian War.

6. **Plague** - Pericles' strategy of sheltering Athenians within the Long Walls led to a devastating plague in 430 BC, which ultimately took his life.

### Related Quizbowl Facts That Appeared In More Than One Toss-up on qbreader.org

1. Pericles gave a famous **Funeral Oration** during the Peloponnesian War, emphasizing values like honor, democracy, and the Athenian way of life. This speech is recorded by ___1___.

2. The **Long Walls** were built under Pericles’ leadership to connect Athens to its port at ___2___.

3. Pericles’ political opponent, whom he managed to ostracize, was ___3___.

4. Pericles moved the treasury of the **Delian League** from Delos to ___4___.

5. The sculptor **Phidias** was hired by Pericles to work on the construction of the ___5___.

#### Answer Key for Practice

1. Thucydides

2. Piraeus

3. Cimon

4. Athens

5. Parthenon

This list highlights important aspects of **Pericles**' life and leadership, particularly during Athens’ **Golden Age** and the **Peloponnesian War**. Here’s an analysis that places each clue in context with mentions included:

1. **Funeral Oration / famous speech during the Peloponnesian War (21 mentions)**: Delivered by Pericles to honor fallen Athenian soldiers, this speech is one of his most celebrated moments, emphasizing **democratic ideals, civic pride, and the virtues of Athens**. It remains a seminal piece in the history of rhetoric and political philosophy.

2. **Peloponnesian War / conflict with Sparta (20 mentions)**: Pericles played a central role in the early stages of the **Peloponnesian War**, a protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta. His strategy was to defend Athens by land using the city’s **Long Walls** and leverage naval superiority, though this led to significant challenges, including the Plague of Athens.

3. **Aspasia (mistress and partner of Pericles) (18 mentions)**: Aspasia, a prominent intellectual and partner of Pericles, influenced his social and political circles. Known for her intellect and wit, she was a key figure in Athenian society and is thought to have contributed to Pericles’ oratory style and ideas.

4. **Phidias (sculptor commissioned by Pericles) (12 mentions)**: Phidias was a master sculptor whose works, including the statue of Athena in the Parthenon, symbolized **Athenian power and devotion to the gods**. Pericles commissioned him to execute major projects during Athens' Golden Age, underscoring his commitment to art and culture.

5. **Long Walls / strategic defense during the Peloponnesian War (10 mentions)**: The **Long Walls** connected Athens to its port, Piraeus, allowing safe passage and protecting trade routes during sieges. This strategic innovation reflected Pericles’ emphasis on securing Athens’ resources and naval strength.

6. **Plague of Athens (causing Pericles' death) (9 mentions)**: The Plague of Athens devastated the city and ultimately claimed Pericles’ life. The loss of Pericles weakened Athens’ leadership during the war and marked a shift in its fortunes, affecting morale and political stability.

7. **Cimon (rival of Pericles) (8 mentions)**: Cimon, a prominent general and statesman, represented conservative, pro-Spartan factions in Athenian politics and was a strong rival of Pericles. Their rivalry highlighted the ideological divide within Athens between expansionist and pro-Spartan views.

8. **Megarian Decree (sanctions against Megara) (7 mentions)**: Pericles’ **Megarian Decree** imposed economic sanctions on Megara, exacerbating tensions with Sparta and contributing to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War. This decree shows Pericles’ use of economic measures to maintain Athenian dominance.

9. **Delian League / moving treasury to Athens (6 mentions)**: The Delian League, initially an alliance against Persia, effectively became an Athenian empire under Pericles. He moved the **treasury to Athens**, which funded cultural projects and reinforced Athens’ power, but also sparked resentment among allies.

10. **Golden Age of Athens (5 mentions)**: Pericles’ era is known as the **Golden Age of Athens** due to advancements in democracy, philosophy, art, and architecture. His leadership helped Athens become a cultural and intellectual hub, celebrated for achievements in science, philosophy, and the arts.

11. **Xanthippus (father of Pericles) (5 mentions)**: Xanthippus, a respected general and politician, played a role in the Battle of Mycale against Persia, setting a precedent for Pericles’ public service and leadership in Athens.

These clues highlight Pericles’ impact on Athens, from **military strategies and diplomatic policies** to **cultural and intellectual patronage**. His legacy is marked by both the glory of Athens’ Golden Age and the challenges of the Peloponnesian War, showcasing his role in shaping Athenian society and influencing Western political thought. Let me know if you’d like more detailed insights on any of these topics!