Question

According to Pericles, what differentiates Athenians from their neighbors? They are more war hungry. They are an example of democracy. They have harsh, unfair laws. They have brave ancestors.

Answer 1

The correct answer is "an example of democracy". Pericles, who lived between 495 and 429 BC, was one of the most important Athenian politicians and orators. His ingenuity allowed this Greek city to stand as a unique cultural engine when producing the most varied and successful works, whether in the political, philosophical (with the examples of Socrates and Plato), artistic or historical. Pericles' idea was that the poor because they were poor, would not be prevented from participating in active political life. It is surprising that the word democracy was so literally applied in classical Athens. Because the popular power of government was not in the hands of elected representatives, but the people themselves exercised power. Therefore, the popular assembly, the most relevant institution, constituted by all the citizens, was sovereign, and its power and radius of action was not limited by anything: this means that the one that best dominated the art of persuasion, the one that better talk, enthuse or please the audience was the one who could take the political command of the city.