6.2 Pericles and Athenian Democracy

Pericles, a powerful statesman, shaped Athens during its Golden Age. He expanded democracy, making it more accessible to all citizens. His reforms included paying people for public service and extending citizenship rights.

Pericles also boosted Athens' cultural scene. He funded grand buildings like the Parthenon and supported artists and thinkers. This turned Athens into a hub of learning and creativity, setting the stage for its lasting influence on Western civilization.

Pericles' Influence on Athenian Democracy

Pericles' Background and Rise to Power

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• Pericles, an aristocratic statesman, general, and orator, dominated Athenian politics during the Golden Age of Athens (461-429 BCE)
• He rose to prominence through his exceptional oratorical skills, military prowess, and political acumen
• Pericles belonged to the aristocratic Alcmaeonid family, which had a long history of involvement in Athenian politics

Pericles' Democratic Reforms

• Pericles implemented a series of reforms that strengthened and expanded Athenian democracy
• He introduced pay for public offices and jury service, making participation in government more accessible to the masses
  • This reform enabled poorer citizens to take part in political decision-making without sacrificing their livelihood
  • It reduced the influence of wealthy aristocrats who previously dominated political offices
• Pericles extended citizenship rights to all free adult males, regardless of their social or economic status
• He promoted the principle of isonomia (equality before the law), ensuring that all citizens had equal rights and responsibilities

Pericles' Cultural Patronage

• Pericles promoted the arts, literature, and philosophy, sponsoring the construction of monuments like the Parthenon and supporting cultural figures
  • He commissioned the sculptor Phidias to create the iconic statue of Athena Parthenos for the Parthenon
  • Pericles patronized the philosopher Anaxagoras, who introduced new ideas about the nature of the universe and the role of reason
• He emphasized the importance of education and public discourse, establishing Athens as a center of intellectual and cultural excellence
  • Pericles supported the establishment of schools and libraries, making education more accessible to the public
  • He encouraged the practice of public debate and discussion, fostering a culture of critical thinking and the exchange of ideas
• Pericles' leadership and policies helped shape Athens into a model of democratic governance and cultural achievement, setting a standard for future generations

Athenian Democracy Under Pericles

The Ekklesia (Assembly)

• The Ekklesia, open to all male citizens over 18, met regularly to debate and vote on laws, policies, and public officials
  • Meetings were held on the Pnyx, a hill in central Athens, and attended by thousands of citizens
  • The Ekklesia had the power to declare war, make peace, and ostracize citizens deemed a threat to the state
• Decisions in the Ekklesia were made by majority vote, with each citizen having an equal say
• The Ekklesia served as a forum for public debate, allowing citizens to voice their opinions and concerns

The Boule (Council)

• The Boule, a council of 500 citizens chosen by lot, prepared the agenda for the Ekklesia and oversaw daily governance
  • Members of the Boule served for one year and could not serve more than twice in their lifetime
  • The Boule was responsible for drafting laws, overseeing public finances, and conducting diplomatic relations
• The Boule acted as a check on the power of the Ekklesia, ensuring that decisions were made in accordance with Athenian laws and customs

The Dikasteria (People's Courts)

• The dikasteria were composed of large juries of citizens, chosen by lot, who heard legal cases and rendered verdicts
  • Juries typically consisted of 501 or more citizens, depending on the importance of the case
  • Jurors were paid a daily wage for their service, making participation accessible to all citizens
• The dikasteria served as a check on the power of public officials and ensured that all citizens had access to justice
• Trials were conducted in public, with both the prosecution and defense presenting their arguments before the jury

Principles of Athenian Democracy

• The principle of isonomia (equality before the law) was central to Athenian democracy, ensuring that all citizens had equal rights and responsibilities
• The use of sortition (selection by lot) for many public offices reduced the influence of wealth and social status
• Pericles introduced pay for public offices and jury service, enabling poorer citizens to participate in government and reducing the influence of wealthy aristocrats
• The system of checks and balances, such as the Boule and the dikasteria, helped prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few

Strengths vs Weaknesses of Athenian Democracy

Strengths of Athenian Democracy

• Direct participation of citizens in decision-making fostered a sense of civic responsibility and engagement
  • Citizens had a vested interest in the well-being of the state and were motivated to participate in governance
  • The active involvement of citizens in the political process helped maintain accountability and transparency
• The use of sortition (selection by lot) for many public offices reduced the influence of wealth and social status
  • This practice ensured that all citizens had an equal chance of serving in public office, regardless of their background
  • It helped prevent the formation of entrenched political elites and dynasties
• The system of checks and balances, such as the Boule and the dikasteria, helped prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few
  • These institutions served as a safeguard against tyranny and the abuse of power by individual leaders
  • They ensured that decisions were made in accordance with Athenian laws and customs
• The emphasis on public discourse and debate encouraged critical thinking and the exchange of ideas
  • Citizens were encouraged to express their opinions and engage in rational discussion
  • This culture of debate fostered intellectual growth and the development of new ideas

Weaknesses of Athenian Democracy

• Citizenship was limited to free adult males, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners, who made up a significant portion of the population
  • Women were excluded from political participation and had limited rights compared to male citizens
  • Slaves, who formed a large part of the Athenian workforce, had no political rights and were considered property
  • Foreigners, even those who had lived in Athens for generations, were not granted citizenship unless under exceptional circumstances
• The direct democracy model could be susceptible to the influence of demagogues and the whims of the masses
  • Skilled orators could sway public opinion and manipulate the decision-making process
  • The majority could make decisions based on emotion or short-term interests rather than long-term considerations
• The system relied heavily on the participation of citizens, which could be challenging to maintain as the population grew and became more diverse
  • As Athens expanded its empire and population, it became more difficult to ensure the active participation of all citizens
  • The growing diversity of the population made it harder to reach consensus on important issues
• The emphasis on majority rule could lead to the marginalization of minority voices and interests
  • The interests of minority groups, such as the poor or the aristocrats, could be overlooked in favor of the majority
  • This could lead to social tensions and political instability
• The frequent changes in leadership and policies could result in inconsistency and instability in governance
  • The annual rotation of public offices and the constant debate in the Ekklesia could lead to a lack of continuity in policies
  • This could make it difficult for Athens to pursue long-term goals and maintain stable relationships with other city-states

Pericles' Policies and Their Impact

Domestic Policies

• Pericles' domestic policies, such as the expansion of democracy and the patronage of the arts, helped create a more inclusive and culturally vibrant society in Athens
  • The introduction of pay for public offices and jury service made political participation more accessible to all citizens
  • The patronage of the arts and literature fostered a culture of creativity and intellectual growth
• The construction of public works, such as the Parthenon and other monuments on the Acropolis, provided employment for many Athenians and showcased the city's wealth and power
  • These projects employed skilled craftsmen, artists, and laborers, stimulating the Athenian economy
  • The monuments served as a symbol of Athenian greatness and helped attract visitors and trade to the city

Foreign Policies

• Pericles' foreign policy, known as the "Periclean Grand Strategy," aimed to maintain Athens' dominance in the Delian League and secure its interests through a combination of diplomacy, trade, and military force
  • He sought to expand Athenian influence through the establishment of colonies and the control of key trade routes
  • Pericles used a combination of diplomacy and military force to maintain Athens' position as the leader of the Delian League
• He moved the treasury of the Delian League from Delos to Athens, effectively transforming the alliance into an Athenian empire and using its resources to fund Athenian projects
  • This move centralized power in Athens and gave the city access to a vast amount of wealth and resources
  • It also led to resentment among some members of the Delian League, who felt that Athens was using the alliance for its own benefit
• Pericles' aggressive foreign policy and Athens' growing power led to increasing tensions with Sparta and other Greek city-states, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE)
  • Athens' attempts to expand its influence and control over other city-states clashed with Sparta's own interests and alliances
  • The war had devastating consequences for Athens, including the loss of lives, resources, and political influence, and marked the end of the city's Golden Age

Legacy of Pericles' Policies

• Pericles' policies had a lasting impact on Athenian society and culture, shaping the city's identity and legacy
  • The expansion of democracy and the emphasis on civic participation became defining features of Athenian society
  • The cultural achievements of the Golden Age, such as the Parthenon and the works of philosophers and artists, continue to inspire and influence Western civilization
• However, Pericles' aggressive foreign policy and the Peloponnesian War also had long-term consequences for Athens and the Greek world
  • The war weakened Athens and other Greek city-states, making them more vulnerable to external threats
  • The conflict also marked a shift in the balance of power in the Greek world, with Sparta emerging as the dominant force
• Despite the ultimate decline of Athenian power, Pericles' legacy as a champion of democracy and a patron of the arts continues to be celebrated and studied to this day