Final answer:
Pericles funded the extensive building program in Athens, including the iconic structures on the Acropolis, using the tribute money collected from the member city-states of the Delian League, which were ostensibly for defense against Persia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pericles funded his extensive building program, most notably the construction on the Athenian Acropolis, through the resources of the Delian League. Member city-states contributed what could be considered a form of tax to ensure collective defense against Persia. However, Pericles redirected these funds to transform Athens, investing in large scale public works such as the Parthenon. This financial strategy fostered growth and prosperity in Athenian society, including the provision of salaries for public servants, which in turn allowed participation in government roles even by those who were not wealthy.
The financial resources acquired through the Delian League contributions were significant enough to not only maintain a powerful navy but also to sponsor various democratic institutions and cultural initiatives under Pericles's leadership. Despite the vow to leave the Acropolis in ruins as a reminder of the Persian Wars, Pericles initiated its reconstruction, proudly employing the era's foremost architects and artists, cementing Athens' golden age and showcasing Athenian grandeur.