Pericles was a leader of Athens who was responsible for rebuilding Athens after the Persian War. He was also leader of Athens during the Peloponnesian War, but he died of the plague that spread through the city.
Q: Where did you rule?
A: I ruled the city-state of Athens.
Q: What were some of your accomplishments during this period?
A: I established a direct democracy in Athens. A direct democracy is when all citizens can help and be a part of the government. The difference between a direct democracy and today's democracy is in today's democracy, people indirectly participate through elected officials.
Q: What else happened during this time?
A: Greece made great advancements in architecture, art, science and math. A philosophy called humanism (reaching one's fullest potential) also came about during this time. Socrates created the Socratic Method, "a way to seek truths by your own lights." Basically, to ask questions to get answers. Another philosopher, Plato, created the ideas of a republic. Theatre was another important element in the Golden Age.\
Q: What was the Peloponnesian War?
A: The other city-state, Sparta, did not like our Athenian domination. So they formed the Peloponnesian League and we went to war for 27 years. We had a big disadvantage, because we could not attack Sparta with our navy because they were inland. But when Sparta came to attack us, I told the people living in the cuontryside they could come live in the city for protection.
There were so many people living in the city, a plague broke out that killed many Athenians, including Pericles. The Spartans won the Peloponnesian War, but it led to the decline of Greece.
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