Pericles was a renowned Athenian leader in Ancient Athens, leading the city-state from approximately 461 BCE until his death in 429 BCE. He was known for his influence and charisma and how he wielded it with the Athenian citizens. However, as with many historical figures, perceptions of Pericles can vary widely depending on the source. Thucydides, in his “History of the Peloponnesian War,” painted Pericles as a great statesman and orator who was capable of rallying the Athenians with charismatic speeches during times of crisis. Through the speeches Pericles gave, Thucydides is able to highlight the Athenian democracy, valor, and the necessity of defending the state’s honor, which put Pericles on a pedestal in Athenian history. In contrast,
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This duality of perspectives given for Pericles’ rule portrays the complexity of the rule and how different perspectives can offer greater insights into the details of history. Based on Thucydides’ interpretations of Pericles alone, it would be safe to assume that Pericles was a great figure of influence and leadership in Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Although Pericles was crucial in the trajectory of Athens in the Peloponnesian War, there are some attributes of Pericles that can be seen as negative. However, from Thucydides perspective, Pericles is depicted as a charismatic orator who knows how to effectively rally the Athenian citizens through speeches and can instill a feeling of civic pride and unity even in times of crisis. Thucydides attributes numerous positive qualities to Pericles, such as his deep understanding of Athenian power dynamics and his vision for the city’s …show more content…
Plutarch’s account of Pericles shifts significantly from Thucydides’ account of Pericles, giving the other half of the coin of Pericles’ characteristics as a ruler. Unlike Thucydides, who depicts Pericles as a charismatic leader and orator, Plutarch’s depiction of the leader is far more critical, painting him as a figure who wielded power similar to that of a tyrant. An example of his use of manipulation and bribery from Plutarch’s account is when Pericles used strategic distributions of festival-grants, fees for public services, and juror’s wages to manipulate and bribe the people of Athens to oppose the Council of Areopagus. Furthermore, Plutarch highlights Pericles' ability to manage and manipulate the hopes and fears of the people to his advantage to maintain his authority as seen during the solar eclipse that happened right before Pericles sent off his men and boats to war. Although Athens has been idolized as the ideal of democracy, all these factors and characteristics of Pericles on the account of Plutarch points to Pericles being “a tyrant in all but his
This duality of perspectives given for Pericles’ rule portrays the complexity of the rule and how different perspectives can offer greater insights into the details of history. Based on Thucydides’ interpretations of Pericles alone, it would be safe to assume that Pericles was a great figure of influence and leadership in Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Although Pericles was crucial in the trajectory of Athens in the Peloponnesian War, there are some attributes of Pericles that can be seen as negative. However, from Thucydides perspective, Pericles is depicted as a charismatic orator who knows how to effectively rally the Athenian citizens through speeches and can instill a feeling of civic pride and unity even in times of crisis. Thucydides attributes numerous positive qualities to Pericles, such as his deep understanding of Athenian power dynamics and his vision for the city’s …show more content…
Plutarch’s account of Pericles shifts significantly from Thucydides’ account of Pericles, giving the other half of the coin of Pericles’ characteristics as a ruler. Unlike Thucydides, who depicts Pericles as a charismatic leader and orator, Plutarch’s depiction of the leader is far more critical, painting him as a figure who wielded power similar to that of a tyrant. An example of his use of manipulation and bribery from Plutarch’s account is when Pericles used strategic distributions of festival-grants, fees for public services, and juror’s wages to manipulate and bribe the people of Athens to oppose the Council of Areopagus. Furthermore, Plutarch highlights Pericles' ability to manage and manipulate the hopes and fears of the people to his advantage to maintain his authority as seen during the solar eclipse that happened right before Pericles sent off his men and boats to war. Although Athens has been idolized as the ideal of democracy, all these factors and characteristics of Pericles on the account of Plutarch points to Pericles being “a tyrant in all but his