Primary Source Analysis Document: title Pericles’ funeral oration this? What do we know about the author? What might influence their opinions? Pericles (495 – 429 B.C.E). He was a well-respected young noble, who dominated Athenian politics and society during the 460s-420s B.C.E. He was a prominent and influential statesman, and general of Athens during the city’s Golden Age, specifically the time between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. He wanted to exalt the name of Athens, that is why he also promoted the arts and literature and thought Athens was the best city so far. Place – Where and when was it created - In the winter of 431-430B.C.E after the opening battle of the Peloponnesian war. Prior Knowledge What do we know about where this was created? What have we learned about this topic? Society that may be relevant? The Peloponnesian war was an ancient Greek war fought by Athens and its empire against the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. Although Athens was, at the beginning of the war, the most powerful and settled city-state, when the war came to an end, Sparta emerged as the leading Greek city-state. Audience Who is the intended audience? How might they receive this? – quotes to support your claims? Athenians. Pericles addressed not only the soldiers that had survived the first battle, but also the relatives of those soldiers who had died. "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. “Comfort, therefore, not condolence, is what I have to offer to the parents of the dead who may be here…” Reason for Creation What is the purpose of this document? Read between the lines, support claims with a quote He wanted to make sure that the people understood that those who had died, had done so with honor because they fought for their state, and that dying for Athens was totally worth it because it was the best structured state. And to ensure that people would support him with the war. "...Take these as your model, and recognize that happiness comes from freedom and freedom comes from courage; never decline the dangers of war.” The Main Idea Support with quotes Athens was the best city-state that existed, therefore, it is worth dying for, and thus, keep fighting to enlarge the city further. Author – Who created Significance How does this relate to the big picture? What can it tell us as historians? Relate to ESPIRIT if possible Questions? This speech is significant because it shows us, how leaders persuaded people in order to get them to support what they do as the government. Also, that a government always is going to put the other governments down, glorifying its own state, so that patriotism would grow among the people. It also tells us that rivalry between societies, to gain control over others, had been the cause of the wars, until nowadays.