Pericles was an Athenian statesman, he led many naval expeditions in more that 20 years. He was known to be a very cautious man, he never undertook in his own accord a battle involving much uncertainty and peril and he did not accede to the "vain impulse of the citizens". He brought forth Athens to prestige especially during the Peloponnesian War implementing his so-called Periclean Grand Strategy. He made the Acropolis of Athens as a symbol of the greatness of the city. He paved war for an imperialist Athens that would rival the neighboring cities like Sparta. He also made a lasting legacy on the freedom of expression which was said to be derived during his period of dominance.