Pericles is often remembered as the architect of Athenian democracy and the leading figure of Athens’ Golden Age. But behind the famous speeches, monumental building projects, and political legacy was a far more complicated individual.
In this in-depth interview, we speak with renowned ancient historian Paul Cartledge about the life and leadership of Pericles. We explore how he shaped democratic politics in Athens, his role in the city’s cultural transformation, and his connection to iconic projects like the Parthenon.
Drawing on decades of scholarship and insights from his forthcoming biography, Pericles: Statesman, Demagogue, Eccentric, Cartledge offers a nuanced look at the statesman whose influence helped define classical Greece—and whose reputation continues to provoke debate today.