In his speech, Pericles states that the citizens of Athens must continue to support the war . He wanted to emphasis that what they were fighting for was of the upmost importance. He stated that the soldiers who died gave their lives to protect the city of Athens, its citizens, and its freedom.
Who was Pericles and why did he give his speech?
In 431, shortly after the Peloponnesian War had broken out, Pericles delivered his famous Funeral Oration to commemorate those troops who had already fallen in battle .
Why do you think Pericles wanted to give a speech about democracy at the funeral?
The Athenian leader is giving this speech at a funeral because he is using this occasion to tell his people about the importance of democracy , also pay respects to the ones who died in this war. After all it was the first Peloponnesian war that the Athenian had.
What is Pericles point of view regarding Athenian society?
Pericles describes Athenian democracy as a system of government where men advance on merit rather than on class or wealth. ... In fact, Pericles sees Athens as having the ultimate possible government ; the one best conducive to freedom, liberty, courage, honor, and justice – the values most honored by the Athenians.
What is the primary theme of the Funeral Oration of Pericles?
The main theme of Pericles’s speech is praise for Athens and Athenians . He states that the greatness of Athens is anchored in the efforts of previous generations. Their bravery made it possible for the current generation to enjoy a free state.
What is Pericles purpose in delivering this speech?
In his speech, Pericles states that the citizens of Athens must continue to support the war . He wanted to emphasis that what they were fighting for was of the upmost importance. He stated that the soldiers who died gave their lives to protect the city of Athens, its citizens, and its freedom.
How did someone become enrolled as a citizen in Athens?
To be classed as a citizen in fifth-century Athens you had to be male, born from two Athenian parents, over eighteen years old, and complete your military service . Women, slaves, metics and children under the age of 20 were not allowed to become citizens.
How do citizens connect with their government?
Citizens vote for their government officials and these officials represent the concerns and ideas of the citizens in government. For example, your Governor is elected by the voters in your state. ... Voting in an election and contacting our elected officials are two ways that Americans can participate in our democracy.
What does Pericles say about equality?
“If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences...if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition. The freedom we enjoy in our government extends also to our ordinary life.
What advice does Pericles have for soldiers widows?
Also, on p. 146, Amos & Lang write as follows: “In his famous Funeral Speech over the dead of the first year of the Peloponnesian War, Pericles says to the widows, ‘ The greatest honour a woman can have is to be least spoken of in men’s company, whether in praise or in criticism .
Did Pericles invent democracy?
Pericles turned the Delian League into an Athenian empire and led his countrymen during the first two years of the Peloponnesian War. ... Pericles also fostered Athenian democracy to such an extent that critics call him a populist.
Why is Pericles a great leader?
Pericles is credited for making Athens the cultural, religious, political and economic centre of Greece . He paved the way for the larger empire of Greece and his doctrines pertaining to majority elected governance system are among the earliest seeds of democracy as we know it.
How did Pericles strengthen democracy?
To strengthen democracy, Pericles increased the number of public officials who were paid . Earlier in Athens, most positions were unpaid. This made it hard for less wealthy people to hold government jobs. Now even the poorest citizen could serve if elected.
What did Spartans value most?
The Spartans valued discipline, obedience, and courage above all else. Spartan men learned these values at an early age, when they were trained to be soldiers.
What did Thucydides think of Pericles?
Thucydides fervently supported Pericles but was less enthusiastic about the institution of democracy. Under the hands of Pericles, Thucydides thought democracy could be controlled, but without him, it could be dangerous .
What is Pericles famous for?
Pericles is perhaps best remembered for a building program centred on the Acropolis which included the Parthenon and for a funeral oration he gave early in the Peloponnesian War, as recorded by Thucydides. In the speech he honoured the fallen and held up Athenian democracy as an example to the rest of Greece.
