Pericles was a Greek statesman and general born around 495 BCE in Athens. He was the son of Xanthippus, a politician who returned from ostracism to lead the Athenian forces at the Battle of Mycale. His mother, Agariste, belonged to the influential Alcmaeonid family, which aided his political ascent. Pericles was known for his introverted nature and dedication to education, studying under prominent philosophers such as Anaxagoras.Pericles began his political career in the early 460s BCE, emerging as a leader of the democratic faction in Athens. He played a significant role in the political landscape, notably prosecuting Cimon, a conservative leader, in 463 BCE. Following Cimon's ostracism around 461 BCE, Pericles consolidated power and initiated reforms that expanded Athenian democracy, including measures that provided public funding for theater attendance and reduced property requirements for public office. His policies, while popular among the lower classes, drew criticism for allegedly undermining traditional democratic values.During the First Peloponnesian War, Pericles led military campaigns against various adversaries, including Sicyon and Acarnania. He negotiated a truce with Sparta in 451 BCE, indicating a strategic shift in his approach. Pericles also sought to stabilize Athenian dominance over its allies, transitioning the Delian League into an Athenian empire. This included transferring the league's treasury to Athens and imposing Athenian currency on its allies.In 440 BCE, Pericles intervened in the Samian War, leading a successful campaign against Samos. His military leadership continued as he fortified Athens and established new colonies. However, he faced personal attacks, particularly against his associates, including accusations of corruption against Phidias and Aspasia, his partner. Despite these challenges, Pericles maintained his political influence and was re-elected as strategos multiple times.As tensions escalated with Sparta, Pericles advocated for a defensive strategy during the Peloponnesian War, emphasizing naval power and avoiding direct land confrontations. His approach included the controversial Megarian Decree, which strained relations with Sparta. In 431 BCE, as war broke out, Pericles evacuated the rural population of Attica into the city, a decision that faced backlash as Spartan forces ravaged their lands.In 430 BCE, a plague struck Athens, leading to significant casualties, including the deaths of Pericles's sons. Despite the crisis, he defended his leadership in a notable oration. However, he faced political opposition and was temporarily stripped of his generalship. By 429 BCE, he regained his position but succumbed to the plague later that year. His death marked a turning point for Athens, as subsequent leaders struggled to match his capabilities, leading to political instability and a decline in Athenian power.Pericles's legacy is evident in the cultural and architectural achievements of Athens during the Golden Age, including the construction of the Parthenon. His contributions to democracy and imperialism continue to be subjects of scholarly debate, reflecting the complexities of his leadership and the impact of his policies on Athenian society.