Pericles was an influential and important leader of Athens during the Athenian Golden Age (specifically, between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars). The period from 461 BC to 379 BC is sometimes known as "The Age of Pericles". He was responsible for a great many building projects which include most of the surviving structures on the Acropolis (including the Parthenon). Of particular importance, he fostered the power of democracy, which was a very radical idea. Pericles started his political career at an early age. At first, however, he restrained his ambitions because he was fearful that due to his social standing, he would be considered to be a tyrant or even dangerous for Greece. To get around this problem, he promoted the interests of the demos -- the most numerous class of middle and low income citizens -- so as to avoid their suspicion. Pericles was educated by the sophist Daman (who taught him politics), by Zeno the Eleatic (who taught him argumentation), and by Anaxagoras (who taught him nobility of purpose and character). Largely due to the teachings of Anaxagoras, Pericles was very careful of the way in which he spoke, and what he chose to say.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... i/Pericles View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Soldiers • Statesmen • 5th Century BC • Athens • Democracy • Greece • Greek • Hellenistic Age • Iron Age • Rulers • Icons • People