The Influence Of Geography In Ancient Greece

Pericles political intelligence, his way of communicating with the people, and his military status and tactics were legendary and exemplify why he was the one to create a better life for the people of Athens. When Pericles became leader of Athens, the Delian league was having extreme success in the Persian wars. Thucydides describes Pericles as being “the first citizen” of Athenian democracy (History, n.d.). During Pericles reign the Assembly, the council and the courts were all significant parts of the democratic system of government. The Assembly made the executive decisions, the council were the committee for the assembly, and the courts where were citizens made decisions depending on what the majority of the people wanted (Hornaday, J. 2009). The money that the Delian league made in the Persian wars Pericles used to restore monuments all over Athens. This clearly showed how successful the league was and how strong it had become since being created (Crystalinks. n.d.). The radical democracy during Pericles reign made sure that citizens were paid to take part in public affairs this was known as “pay for service”. This enabled several 1000 thetes males and male citizens in general to take part in the assembly and popular courts (Purdue University. (n.d.). Pericles was necessary for democracy to become as successful and powerful as it did which ultimately influenced current modern

Pericles and Alexander the Great are known as two Greek Icons who developed Greece into one of the most prestigious empires in history. During their time, Greece was vastly advanced and influenced western civilization today. The first leader to unselfishly use the political system of democracy, Pericles wanted to strengthen Greece influence around the world and pushed for other states to adopt democracy. Pericles allowed even the poorest citizens to hold a seat in office if elected by their peers. Alexander the Great was one of the greatest leaders and emperors of all time earning the name of “the great”. Today Alexander the Great is known as a conquering leader who created one of the largest empires of all time. Both Pericles and Alexander the Great are remembered today as some of the most accomplished and respected leaders in living memory.

Pericles (C. 495-429 BC) was a very influential politician and general in Athens. He is said to have brought about a very important time in Athenian history known as ‘The Golden Age of Athens’ where he brought about or placed focus on certain things like art, which gave Athens the reputation as the cultural and educational centre of Ancient Greece, architecture, where he created a project to beautify the city and provide work for Athenians with most of its products like the Parthenon still surviving and giving us an idea of the glory of Athens. He also made valuable contributions to drama, the bringing about of democracy and the establishment of the Greek empire.

In Greece, the geography affected early settlements in positive ways. An example is Mount Olympus, since it was so high up and covered by clouds, Greeks believed Gods lived there. Document 2 states, ”According to the ancient Greeks, their gods controlled every part of daily life--the weather, crops, money, love, and business, phases of the moon, earthquakes, and even whether a loaf of bread burned in the oven.” This proves that ancient Greeks not being able to see the top of the mountain, made them believe the gods were up there, and it gave them an explanation to everything. Another one is, how hot and dry climates were great for growing olive trees. In document 4 it states, ”Olive oil was as good as money to the ancient Greeks, since they could trade it for other land not available

As you can see the Aksum empire was the best and biggest trading empire because of where they were and the geography around them. Ancient Egypt was a smart empire and learn the way the geography around them worked and what it did, so they can plan around it and be successful. Lastly, Ancient Greece was affected and they weren’t able to move and be able to life with a very successful empire where they were. This shows that geography was a huge part of the way the people in the empires lived and if they were successful or

The ruler of Athens, Pericles (495-429 BCE) convinced the Athenians to rebuild the Acropolis instead of leaving it in ruin as a reminder of the price of war. (Sayre 58) From the rebuilding of Acropolis came the Golden Age. Pericles thought that by rebuilding the Acropolis, it could stand as a memorial to the Persian War and to Athena, the patron of the Athenian people. Phidias was a sculptor whom Pericles placed in charge of the sculptural program for the new buildings of Acropolis. Pericles very much wanted Athens to be the leading example for Greece. He was very proud of the men who had fallen in their battles of the Peloponnesian War, even writing a speech for them.

The aristocrat Pericles was responsible in every way for the development of the Athenian democracy. Pericles was one of the rare men who didn’t just accept the world’s conditions, but he tried to shape it to an image in his mind, the image of a perfect, or almost perfect democracy.# He was a high government official in the Athenian democracy during the years 446-429 B.C., which is now called the Periclean Age. He wasn’t the founder or inventor of democracy but he came to its leadership 50 years after it started while it was still growing or developing. Under his rule, Athens developed a direct democracy which allowed many citizens to take part in the day-to-day government affairs. Athenian power and influences increases with this.

At a time of war, Pericles’s characteristics of wisdom, courage, and self-control were able to maintain order in Athens. His wisdom throughout his reign was mostly displayed by his talent of

Athens is a major Greek city-state in European history. It was a great center of cultural and intellectual development, and thus home to philosophers. Socrates and Pericles, two of these philosophers, had polarizing opinions about the city-state and its citizens. While Pericles chooses to praise the Athenian citizen, Socrates criticizes Athens’ people. Pericles gave his opinion at a funeral during the first battles of the Peloponnesian War, while Socrates gave his during the trial that ultimately led to his death. The Athenian city-state has become a model for today’s systems of government and a hearth for western philosophy, so Pericles’ opinion seems to be the one that is more accurate.

Pericles exercised political interest through giving speeches. He became very popular and earned his name in political arena by mastering oratory skills. His manner of speaking helped him to become the best of all speakers in Athens.

Greek civilization was built on solid foundation and led by skillful leaders that created the traditional customs and values that are still observed by modern societies. This is part of why the Greek civilization thrived and has been replicated by much of the world. One of the factors that influenced the developments of Greek civilization is its geography. The geographical features of ancient of Greece had an impact on its political, cultural, economic, and social growth. Three geographical features that affected Greece the most included the mountains, the seas, and the climate.

Pericles’ was a powerful general, orator, patron of arts and democratic politician for the state of Athens between 495-429 B.C.E. (History.com). Pericles’ was born into power for his father was Xanthippus one hero from the Persian war and his mother was part of the Alcmaeonidae family who were very culturally powerful in Athens (History.com). When Pericles’ came into power he developed strategies and polices that set the stage for the Peloponnesian War (History.com). Following the first battles of the war Pericles’ gave a speech to honor those fallen and for those who will continue to fight the war. He spoke many words about the state of Athens and why it is such a great place to be.

Described by Thucydides as “the foremost Athenian and most able in speech or action [at the time of the Peloponnesian War,]” Pericles ushered in what was widely known as the “Golden Age of Athens” (31). He often exercised great prudence in his decision making and was widely admired by the Greek people. The man stressed justice, the worth of the Empire, and cleaving one’s personal interests to those of the city. Through his eloquent speeches and definitive actions he captured both the hearts of the Athenians and territory as a premier military commander. The people readily accepted his authority, and became accustomed to it. This would only lead to problems down the road, however, as other rulers took up the mantle of Athens. They would only be but a gilded echo of Pericles, unable and unwilling to follow his path. Therefore, though Pericles did not intentionally set Athens up to fail, because of the oratorical skill, leadership style, and character he possessed, success could only be truly achieved by and through him.

The Parthenon would not have been possible without the efforts and supervision of Pericles, one of the greatest historical leaders. Pericles dominated Greek politics for over twenty years. He gained his political start with the help of Ephialtes, together they reorganized the voting process to involve a popular assembly destroying the power of the Areopagus or the old noble council. This action completely reformed the democratic system in Athens. This reform was affluential part to the legend of the power of Athenian democracy. (PBS)

“Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war” President Donald Trump once said. Pericles saw that the Athenians were losing a battle when it comes to accomplishments in the arts, citizenship, and democracy. When he gained power, he led Athens into a Golden Age. A Golden Age is when high level of accomplishments is reached in a society. Pericles help create Athenian Golden Age because of how he brought brought the idea of citizenship, the arts reaching it’s highest peak, and created the basic principles of democracy that we use today.