Pericles Influence
Pericles was the leader of Athens and was born in 495 BC and died in 429 BC. His father, Xanthippus was a political leader and military commander for Athens who grew up in the family of the Alcmaeonids. His mother, Agariste provided Pericles with political value and a religious background. Growing up Pericles was very bright, his family was wealthy which meant he had access to the best teachers in the whole of Athens. This meant he was able to fully pursue his education. As a young man, Pericles used much of his wealth to support the arts, at school he studied politics, ethics, philosophy and music. He learnt music from the masters of the time, Damo or Phyhocleides and was considered to be the first politician to have such a great influence
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In 470 BC Pericles entered politics. Pericles believed strongly in politics saying “just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you”. As a leader Pericles wanted people to understand that although you may not be interested in the work of your government there will always be a need for you knowledge and contribution. Once he had joined the assembly, he became a fellow politician which is where he began to become popular within the assembly. Many events following his vote onto the assembly meant that the old Athenian leader was exiled. Today the period of time between 460-429 is referred to as the ‘Age of Pericles’. Pericles also believed that Athens was an icon of Greek culture. He believed that Athenians should be the ones to lead the Greek government. Before, becoming a participant of the Athenian government was almost impossible. However, Pericles believed that all native Athenian men over the age of 18 had the right to participate in the government. He also made it possible for poor men who could not afford to leave their jobs,to participate should they choose to. This meant men of all social classes were now part of the government. Not only was serving in the government a privilege, but also a responsibility. Pericles believed in that very strongly. He always had the community's best interest at heart, showing that he was worthy as leader
In 470 BC Pericles entered politics. Pericles believed strongly in politics saying “just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you”. As a leader Pericles wanted people to understand that although you may not be interested in the work of your government there will always be a need for you knowledge and contribution. Once he had joined the assembly, he became a fellow politician which is where he began to become popular within the assembly. Many events following his vote onto the assembly meant that the old Athenian leader was exiled. Today the period of time between 460-429 is referred to as the ‘Age of Pericles’. Pericles also believed that Athens was an icon of Greek culture. He believed that Athenians should be the ones to lead the Greek government. Before, becoming a participant of the Athenian government was almost impossible. However, Pericles believed that all native Athenian men over the age of 18 had the right to participate in the government. He also made it possible for poor men who could not afford to leave their jobs,to participate should they choose to. This meant men of all social classes were now part of the government. Not only was serving in the government a privilege, but also a responsibility. Pericles believed in that very strongly. He always had the community's best interest at heart, showing that he was worthy as leader