Pericles of Athens and the Dangers of Democracy

Pericles of Athens and the Dangers of Democracy

Engraving of a bust of Pericles from the frontispiece of the parliamentary report on the Elgin Marbles, 1816. Research Library, The Getty Research Institute

June 5, 2008

The Getty Villa



Classicist Loren J. Samons II of Boston University examines the legacy of Pericles, the "first citizen of Athens" who created the Athenian Empire, fostered democracy, and helped mold Athens into the cultural center of the Greek universe. But how much praise does Pericles deserves for Athens' achievements, and how much blame must he assume for the Peloponneisan War that would undermine its power?



In this engaging public lecture, Samons addresses this and other questions that are still relevant to democratic societies today.



Running time: 72 min.











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