Lecture Notes: Pericles and His Influence on Ancient Greece

Introduction to Pericles

• Birth and Death: Born in 495 BC and died in 429 BC due to the plague
• Family and Background:
  • Born into Athenian aristocracy; father named Xanthippus
  • Inherited wealth and property north of Athens
  • Exposed to democracy and philosophy from a young age; mentored by Anaxagoras

Historical Context

• Sources of Information:
  • Thucydides, the first historian, wrote about Pericles
  • Plutarch supplemented Thucydides' work 500 years later
• Athens' Golden Age:
  • Period of growth and innovation post-Persian Wars
  • Internal conflicts in Athens regarding management of new power

Rise to Power

• Ostracizing Cimon:
  • Cimon's failed mission to aid Sparta after a devastating earthquake
  • Pericles gained popularity by leading the ostracization of Cimon
• Assassination of Ephialtes:
  • Created a power vacuum; Ephialtes passed reforms favoring democracy
  • Pericles used his oratory skills and aristocratic background to seize power
• Peloponnesian Wars:
  • Tensions between Athens and Sparta over power dynamics
  • Athens became wealthy from the Delian League, leading to conflict with Sparta

Pericles' Leadership

• Political Influence:
  • Elected strategioi; commanding influence in politics and military
  • Orchestrated truce with Sparta during the First Peloponnesian War
• Democratic and Cultural Contributions:
  • Used Delian League funds for rebuilding Athens
  • Promoted democratic ideology and funded elaborate projects

Impact of Pericles

• Cultural Flourishment:
  • Athens became a center for art, education, and culture
  • Expansion of the Agora and Parthenon construction
  • Influenced future philosophers like Socrates and Plato
• Philosophy of Leadership:
  • Advocated for active citizenship and participatory governance
  • Introduced state payments for jurors to enable civic participation

Military Strategies and Failures

• Second Peloponnesian War:
  • Relied on naval supremacy; avoided land battles with Sparta
  • Strategy of hiding within long walls led to overcrowding and plague
• Consequences of Military Tactics:
  • Plague devastated Athens, including Pericles' own health
  • Athens struggled without his leadership, leading to military mistakes

Pericles' Legacy

• Death and Aftermath:
  • Died during the Second Peloponnesian War; Athens missed his leadership
  • Critics argue his strategies led to long-term failures
• Golden Age and Ideals:
  • Known for promoting art, literature, and philosophy
  • Emphasized character and commitment of citizens over wealth and power
• Model for Societies:
  • Vision of Athens as a city of freedom and responsibility remains influential

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts:
  • Without Pericles, Athens experienced a decline post-Golden Age
• Legacy:
  • His leadership and vision continue to inspire modern societies

Thank you.