Answer: Pericles, an influential statesman and orator in ancient Athens, is known for his significant contributions to the city's development and for delivering a famous funeral oration. In this oration, he emphasized the greatness of Athens and how it compared to other Greek city-states. Pericles' view of Athens' greatness can be summarized as follows:
Democratic Values: Pericles highlighted Athens' democratic political system as one of its key strengths. Athens was known for its participatory democracy, where citizens (albeit a limited subset of the population) had a say in decision-making. He believed that this system encouraged innovation and active citizenship.
Cultural Advancements: Pericles pointed out the cultural achievements of Athens. The city was a hub of intellectual and artistic development. It was home to renowned philosophers, playwrights like Sophocles and Aeschylus, and the construction of magnificent structures like the Parthenon.
Educational Opportunities: Athens offered educational opportunities that were unmatched in other Greek city-states. Pericles noted that Athenians valued education and believed in the power of knowledge. The city was home to schools, libraries, and centers of learning.
Openness to Foreign Ideas: Pericles spoke of Athens' openness to foreign ideas and the willingness to learn from other cultures. This cosmopolitan approach contributed to the city's growth and innovation.
Military and Naval Power: Athens had a powerful military and naval presence. Pericles emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defense and a formidable navy to protect Athens and its interests.
Comparing Athens to other Greek city-states, Pericles acknowledged Athens' uniqueness and superiority in several ways:
Political System: Athens' democracy was distinguished from the oligarchies and other forms of government in many other city-states. It allowed a broader segment of the population to participate in the political process.
Cultural Dominance: Athens' cultural contributions and artistic achievements surpassed those of most other Greek city-states. It was a center of literature, drama, philosophy, and art.
Educational Opportunities: Athens offered more extensive educational opportunities than other city-states, and it attracted scholars and thinkers from across Greece.
Cosmopolitanism: Athens was a cosmopolitan city that welcomed people from various backgrounds. This diverse and open society was unlike some more insular city-states.
Military Strength: While Athens was a maritime power with a strong navy, it did not emphasize militarism to the same extent as some other city-states like Sparta. Instead, it saw strength in the combination of democracy, culture, and military prowess.
It's important to note that Pericles' praise of Athens is from the perspective of an Athenian leader and may not have been universally accepted by all Greek city-states. Different city-states had their own strengths, weaknesses, and values, which contributed to the rich tapestry of ancient Greece.