Perikles and His Circle: A Timeline of Athenian Democracy

Perikles and his circle were a group of Athenian politicians and intellectuals who played a major role in the development of Athenian democracy. This article provides a timeline of their lives and accomplishments.

Perikles and his Circle

by Anthony J. Podlecki

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1903 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages
Item Weight	:	14.6 ounces

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The Early Years

Perikles was born in Athens in 495 BC to a wealthy and aristocratic family. His father, Xanthippos, was a general who won a major victory over the Persians at the Battle of Salamis. Perikles' mother, Agariste, was the niece of the tyrant Kleisthenes, who had introduced democratic reforms to Athens in the 6th century BC.

Perikles grew up to be a brilliant and ambitious young man. He studied philosophy, rhetoric, and politics with some of the greatest minds of his time, including the philosopher Anaxagoras and the orator Gorgias. Perikles also served as a general in the Athenian army, where he won several victories against Athens' enemies.

The Rise of Perikles

In 461 BC, Perikles was elected to the Athenian Assembly, the governing body of the city-state. He quickly became one of the most influential politicians in Athens, thanks to his charisma, eloquence, and persuasive oratory. Perikles was a strong supporter of democracy, and he believed that all Athenian citizens, regardless of their wealth or social status, should have a say in how the city was run.

Under Perikles' leadership, Athens entered a period of unprecedented prosperity and cultural achievement known as the Golden Age of Athens. Perikles commissioned the construction of some of the most famous buildings in the world, including the Parthenon and the Propylaea. He also supported the arts and sciences, and he invited some of the greatest thinkers and artists of the time to live and work in Athens.

The Peloponnesian War

In 431 BC, Athens and its allies went to war against Sparta and its allies. The Peloponnesian War lasted for 27 years, and it ended with the defeat of Athens. Perikles died during a plague outbreak that swept through Athens in 429 BC.

The Peloponnesian War was a major turning point in Athenian history. The war drained Athens' resources and left the city vulnerable to attack. After the war, Athens was ruled by a series of oligarchies and dictatorships. It was not until the 4th century BC that democracy was restored to Athens.

Perikles' Legacy

Perikles is considered one of the greatest leaders in Athenian history. He was a brilliant politician, a gifted orator, and a patron of the arts. Under his leadership, Athens reached the height of its power and glory. Perikles' legacy continues to inspire people today.

Timeline of Perikles and His Circle

• 495 BC: Perikles is born in Athens.
• 461 BC: Perikles is elected to the Athenian Assembly.
• 459 BC: Perikles becomes the leader of the Athenian Assembly.
• 449 BC: Perikles commissions the construction of the Parthenon.
• 443 BC: Perikles commissions the construction of the Propylaea.
• 431 BC: The Peloponnesian War begins.
• 429 BC: Perikles dies during a plague outbreak.

Perikles and his Circle

by Anthony J. Podlecki

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1903 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages
Item Weight	:	14.6 ounces

FREE