Pericles: Family background & Early Career

Question 1

When was Pericles born?

Answer 1

494

Question 2

Who was Pericles’ mother from which family?

Answer 2

Agariste, from the Alcmaeonids: family with long involvement in politics

Question 3

Who was Pericles’ father?

Answer 3

Xanthippus, politician and strategos in 479 of Battle of Mycale

Question 4

When was Xanthippus ostracised?

Answer 4

484 then recalled

Question 5

Who else had a significant family connection to Pericles and why?

Answer 5

Cleisthenes: “father of democracy” was Pericles great uncle, reformed the government in 507 BC

Question 6

Does family background hinder/encourage? How?

Answer 6

• Pericles born in top social class was advantage and also family was known for politics
• provided a clear pathway for a political career: GOOD
• father Xanthippus was ostracised, obstructed his early career by fear of ostracism

Question 7

Who was Pericles teachers?

Answer 7

Damon of Oa:

• music and poetry
• the highest order of sophist
• trained Pericles for political contests
• ostracised

Zeno of Eleatic:

• philosopher
• he perfected skill of cross-examination

Anaxagoras of Clazomenae:

• philosopher
• most important, developed oratory skills
• also to not fear superstition

Parmenides:
- music teacher

Question 8

What tribe and deme was Pericles from?

Answer 8

tribe: Acamantis
deme: Cholangus

Question 9

What event in 472BC contributed to his early political career?

Answer 9

• Pericles was choragus (leader, conductor) and sponsored major drama performance “Persia” in festival Dionysia
• not only mythological, also historical plays
• brought attention to Pericles name, build his reputation
• won 1st prize

Question 10

Who was the play written by?

Answer 10

“The Persian” was written by Aeschylus

Question 11

What was the date of Pericles first speech in the Ekklesia?

Answer 11

469BC

Question 12

What 4 significant events took place (in order) in 462/1?

Answer 12

• unsuccessful prosecution of Cimon
• democratic reform stripping Aereopagus power
• Cimon’s ostracism
• Ephialtes assassination –> Pericles leading People’s faction/party

Question 13

How to answer: Describe Pericles rise to prominence?

Answer 13

family background –>

• wealth/name contributed: access to the strategoi office,
• Xanthippus ostracism hindered pursue in political career, for fear

Education –>

• teachers: Damon, Anaxagoras, Zeno
• best education (wealth)
• specifics

462/1 period:

• joined people faction, subordinate to Ephialtes
• attack political rival Cimon
• involved in Areopagus reform
• prosecution/ostracism of Cimon: gain popularity with thetes
• the assassination of Ephialtes –> new leader of faction
• the rise to prominence, most influential/effective political leader, unrivaled to his death