# Pericles

> Athenian statesman, orator and general (c. 495 – 429 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q80398](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q80398)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pericles)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pericles

## Summary
Pericles was an Athenian statesman, orator, and general (c. 495–429 BC), a key figure in Classical Athens. He is most famous for his leadership during the Golden Age of Athens and his oratory, which shaped democratic governance and military strategy.

## Biography
- Born: c. 495 BC (Classical Athens)
- Nationality: Athenian (Classical Athens)
- Education: [Not specified in source material]
- Known for: Leading Athens during the Golden Age, influential oratory, and military command
- Employer(s): Classical Athens (as statesman and general)
- Field(s): Politics, oratory, military leadership

## Contributions
Pericles played a central role in Athens' Golden Age (480–404 BCE), overseeing the construction of the Parthenon and other public buildings. He also delivered notable speeches, including the *Funeral Oration* for his ally Alcibiades. His military leadership during the First Peloponnesian War (460–445 BC) and the Samian War (440–439 BC) reinforced Athenian dominance.

## FAQs
- **What was Pericles' primary role in Athens?**
  Pericles served as a statesman, orator, and general, shaping Athens' Golden Age through political leadership, public works, and military strategy.

- **What are Pericles' most famous speeches?**
  His most notable speeches include the *Funeral Oration* for Alcibiades and the *Oration on the Coronation* of the statue of Athena.

- **What wars did Pericles lead?**
  Pericles commanded Athenian forces in the First Peloponnesian War (460–445 BC) and the Samian War (440–439 BC).

- **What architectural projects did Pericles oversee?**
  Pericles supervised the construction of the Parthenon and other public buildings, symbolizing Athens' cultural and political power.

## Why They Matter
Pericles' leadership during Athens' Golden Age set a precedent for democratic governance and cultural prosperity. His oratory and military strategies influenced later Greek and Western political thought. Without his vision, Athens' architectural achievements and democratic ideals may not have endured.

## Notable For
- Led Athens during its Golden Age (480–404 BCE)
- Delivered influential speeches, including the *Funeral Oration*
- Oversaw the construction of the Parthenon and other public buildings
- Commanded Athenian forces in the First Peloponnesian War and the Samian War

## Body
### Early Life and Rise to Power
Pericles was born around 495 BC in Classical Athens, a city-state in ancient Greece. His early life is obscure, but he rose to prominence as a statesman and orator. By the 460s BCE, he became a dominant political figure, shaping Athens' policies and military campaigns.

### Leadership During the Golden Age
Pericles' tenure as strategos (general) and archon (leader) marked the peak of Athens' power. He oversaw the construction of the Parthenon and other monumental buildings, symbolizing the city's cultural and political dominance. His speeches, such as the *Oration on the Coronation*, reinforced democratic ideals and Athenian unity.

### Military Command and Wars
Pericles led Athenian forces in the First Peloponnesian War (460–445 BC) and the Samian War (440–439 BC). His strategic victories, including the Battle of Potidaea (432 BC), solidified Athenian supremacy. His military leadership is often compared to that of Alcibiades, though Pericles' approach was more cautious and politically astute.

### Oratory and Political Influence
Pericles' oratory skills were unparalleled. His *Funeral Oration* for Alcibiades, delivered in 431 BCE, is considered one of the greatest speeches in history. His speeches emphasized democracy, civic duty, and the unity of Athens. His political acumen ensured Athens' dominance in the Delian League and its cultural leadership in Greece.

### Legacy and Influence
Pericles' contributions to Athens' Golden Age remain unmatched. His architectural projects, military strategies, and oratory continue to inspire political thought and cultural achievement. His influence extended beyond Greece, shaping Western democratic ideals and architectural standards. Pericles' legacy endures as a symbol of Athenian excellence and democratic governance.

## References

1. Union List of Artist Names. 2018
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Source
4. Aspasia
5. Paralus and Xanthippus
6. Q45198940
7. NNDB
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Parallel Lives
12. Autoritats UB
13. BBC Things
14. CERL Thesaurus
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. Quora
17. Enciclopedia Treccani
18. Dizionario di Storia
19. KBpedia
20. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands