Facts for Kids
Pericles was a prominent and influential statesman in ancient Athens, known for his leadership during the Golden Age and significant contributions to Athenian democracy and culture.
Overview
Legacy
Early Life
Personal Life
Rise To Power
Periclean Athens
Political Reforms
Philosophy And Ideas
Military Achievements
Cultural Contributions
Inside this Article
Peloponnesian War
Ancient Greece
The Parthenon
Constitution
Hippocrates
Government
Philosophy
Sophocles
General
People
Did you know?
🏛️ Pericles was an influential statesman during Athens' Golden Age.
🎭 He was a patron of the arts and played a key role in the development of drama and theater in Athens.
⚔️ Pericles led Athens during the early part of the Peloponnesian War against Sparta.
📜 He is best known for his Funeral Oration, a speech honoring fallen soldiers that celebrated democracy.
🏺 Under his leadership, the Parthenon, a symbol of Athenian democracy, was constructed.
🌍 Pericles promoted the idea of Athenian imperialism, expanding Athens' influence in the Mediterranean.
👨⚖️ He established democratic reforms and increased the power of the assembly in Athenian government.
🗣️ Pericles was known for his persuasive oratory skills and his ability to rally support for complex policies.
🤝 He was associated with the building of alliances and strengthening of Athenian naval power.
⚖️ Pericles died during the plague that struck Athens in 429 BC, which weakened the city during war.
Introduction
️ He lived a long time ago, between 495 BCE and 429 BCE. Pericles is known as one of the greatest leaders of ancient Greece and helped make Athens a powerful city-state. He encouraged people to take part in government, allowing many citizens to have a say in how things were run. Under his guidance, Athens blossomed into a center of art, culture, and democracy. 🌟
Thanks to his efforts, many beautiful buildings, like the Parthenon, were built during his time!
Legacy
He is remembered as a powerful leader who helped shape democracy in Athens. His focus on arts and culture changed how people and cities viewed creativity. The Parthenon still stands today as a symbol of ancient Greece and is a beautiful example of architecture. 🏛
️ Many of his ideas about government and society remain important to us now. Schools and parks are often named after him, reminding us of his contributions. Pericles will always be remembered as the "Golden Age" leader of Athens!
Early Life
His mother, Agariste, came from a noble family. Young Pericles received a great education, studying philosophy, politics, and the arts. 🎓
He made many friends, including the great thinker Socrates, who taught him about ideas and government. Pericles' early life was filled with learning, which shaped him into a wise leader later on!
Personal Life
Rise To Power
His speeches were powerful and inspired many Athenians. By 461 BCE, he became the leader of Athens, known as a "strategos," or military general. 🌟
Under his leadership, he helped strengthen democracy, letting more people vote and participate in their government. Pericles was respected and admired, which helped him rise to power and make important changes in Athens!
Periclean Athens
Philosophy and science also thrived, with great minds like Socrates, Plato, and Hippocrates contributing to their fields. This vibrant culture laid the foundation for future civilizations and influenced many parts of our modern world.
Political Reforms
This meant that even people who weren't rich could help run the city. He also created a system for paying citizens who served in public positions. 💰
These changes made democracy in Athens stronger and inspired other places to think about different ways of governing. Pericles believed everyone mattered, no matter their background!
Philosophy And Ideas
️ He thought that citizens should be involved in making decisions and that everyone should be educated. Through his speeches, he promoted the idea of justice and equality. 📚
Pericles valued freedom, saying, “Our constitution is called a democracy because power is in the hands, not of a minority, but of the whole people.” His ideas continue to inspire people today!
Military Achievements
️ He led Athens during the early part of the Peloponnesian War against Sparta, their rival. Pericles used clever tactics to protect the city, like keeping citizens inside the walls of Athens. 🚧
He also built a powerful navy to help control the seas and trade routes. Under his leadership, Athens became known for its military strength, earning respect from other city-states, even though the war continued for many years.
Cultural Contributions
He believed that beautiful buildings and amazing art made Athens a special place. During his time, many famous structures were built, like the Parthenon on the Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena. 🏛
️ He encouraged artists, playwrights, and philosophers to share their work, leading to the flourishing of drama and poetry. Famous playwrights like Aeschylus and Sophocles produced wonderful plays during this time. Pericles' love for culture helped shape the arts for many generations!
Pericles Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
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