430 B. C. E. Pericles Funeral Speech

Pericles, born in 495 BC in Athens, to an affluent right-winged family, was an orator, a statesman and an Athenian General during the Peloponnesian Wars whose views shaped Athens' democracy for the better. Honoring the dead publicly was a yearly event. In the winter of 431-430 B.C.E, Pericles was asked to deliver this oration. He wrote and delivered the famous funeral speech, "The Document" as a way to honor his homeland, its' military, and his fallen brethren.

First to glorify Athens, Pericles states in his speech, that it is a head for other city states to follow by saying, "Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a model for others than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy." Pericles would continue on to say that Athenians are law abiding people. He said in his speech in the Document, "We obey the magistrates and the laws, particularly those for the protection of the injured, whether they are actually on the statute book, or belong to that code which, although unwritten, yet cannot be broken without acknowledged disgrace.

Secondly, to praise Athens' military, he says they are better than other city states by stating, "If we turn to our military policy, there also we differ from our antagonists.

Pericles promoted imperialism. The document states, "We throw open our city to the world, and never pass laws to exclude foreigners from any opportunity of learning or observing, although the eyes of the enemy may occasionally profit from our liberality." Pericles believes that if citizens fall in love with their city, they will willingly sacrifice themselves. The document states, "...happiness comes from freedom and freedom comes from courage; never decline the dangers of war. To be happy, one must be free, and to be free one must

fight.

Thirdly, to honor his fallen brethren, he states that the Athenians must never forget their fallen soldiers by saying, "So died these men as became Athenians. You, their survivors, must be determined to have as unfaltering a resolution in the field, though you may pray that it may have a happier outcome." Pericles is saying about the men who died how they should be a model for those who have survived. Pericles praises the sacrifices of the dead so that others will imitate them. He said these brave men knew it was their duty to protect the city and, had the fearlessness to do it. They made the ultimate sacrifice to their city and fellow citizens.

In conclusion, Pericles honors all he holds dear; his homeland, its' military, and his fallen brethren by delivering to the people of Athens a funeral speech articulating those things. Pericles praises Athens so that people will keep fighting. He wants the Athenians to realize the necessity of the soldiers' deaths, that they gave their lives so that Athens can maintain its doctrines, customs, and ideologies that make up the foundation of Athenian lifestyle.