Funeral Oration of Pericles (431 BCE) Commentary by Todd W. Ewing, Williams Baptist College

About the Author

Pericles of Athens, born in about 495 bce, served as a prominent strategos, or general, within the assembly of the city. He served with nine other generals, but with his popularity and reputation he quickly gained a significant influence in the affairs of the government. In 462 bce he emerged into public prominence as an associate of Ephialtes, who had pioneered democratic reforms that gave more authority to the people. After his mentor's assassination, Pericles became the mouthpiece for more democratic reforms and efforts to strengthen the city, both militarily and culturally. This period is referred to as the Age of Periclean Athens because of the artists, writers, and philosophers who flourished under his patronage, creating a cultural heritage for Western civilization. Pericles' efforts to broaden Athens's authority and power in the Aegean allowed the city to dominate the Delian League and emerge as a major rival to Sparta.

With the outbreak of the...