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How did Pericles change democracy in Athens?
Pericles set about toppling the Areopagus (ar-ee-OP-uh-guhs), or the noble council of Athens, in favor of a more democratic system that represented the interests of the people. He introduced the practice of paying citizens to serve on juries, which allowed poor men to leave work and participate in the justice system.
Why is the Parthenon so important?
Importance of the Parthenon The Parthenon was the center of religious life in the powerful Greek City-State of Athens, the head of the Delian League. Built in the 5 century B.C., it was a symbol of the power, wealth and elevated culture of Athens.
What was Pericles’ first act?
Pericles’ earliest recorded act, the financial sponsorship of a play by Aeschylus in 472 B.C., foreshadowed the future leader’s wealth, artistic taste and political savvy. The play expressed support for Athens’ embattled populist leader Themistocles over Pericles’ future archrival, the aristocrat Cimon.
What happened to Pericles’ sons?
In 429 Pericles’ two legitimate sons died of the plague. A few months later, Pericles himself succumbed. His death was, according to Thucydides, disastrous for Athens.
Was Pericles’ skull unusual?
That Pericles’ skull was of unusual shape seems well attested, but one can hardly speculate about the possible psychological consequences. The only name associated with his early education is that of the musical theorist Damon, whose influence, it is said, was not just confined to music.
What is a metic in ancient Greece?
Metic is the word for a foreigner living in Athens. Since a metic woman couldn’t produce citizen children, when Pericles had a mistress (Aspasia of Miletus), he couldn’t or at least didn’t marry her. After his death, the law was changed so that his son could be both a citizen and his heir.