Ancient History of Pericles and His Influences

Pericles was born in 495 BC into a wealthy political family. His learnings from his family members and his teachers influenced him in such a way that he became one of the most influential politician’s in the Greek world. He was also the reason why the Greek world reached the pinnacle of political power. Thucydides, his contemporary historian, acclaimed him as "the first citizen of Athens".
Pericles father Xanthippus was born into a family of aristocrats where as Pericles mother Agariste was a member of the Alchmaenoid family who were also involved with politics. This environment Pericles was brought up in gave him a basic understanding of politics from a young age. His family background also encouraged him to continue on with the family career and influenced him to take his huge political risks.
His Great uncle Cleisthenes was known as the ‘father of democracy’ by many. Cleisthenes had reformed the government of Athens in 507BC. Cleisthenes goal was to further democratize the Athenian system of government. Pericles used Cleisthenes knowledge of democracy and formed in into his own understanding and ideas.
At a young age Pericles had a good education and was taught by sophists and philosophers to perfect his public speaking ability. Pericles music teacher Damon who was an Athenian sophist reasoner trained him for political contests. But it is known by many that this was a cover for broader influence over Pericles political policy.
Anaxagoras who was a political leader in democracy taught Pericles how to appeal to people’s emotions, prejudices and the ignorance of the less educated in order to gain power and promote political motives. He influenced Pericles to develop the natural dignity of his character to the highest degree and how to use words to manipulate the public. Anaxagoras and Damon steered Pericles into developing two main ideals for Athens: independence of thought and freedom from superstition.
Anaxagoras and Damon’s influence of democracy