Pericles

American  

[per-i-kleez] / ˈpɛr ɪˌkliz /

noun

1. c495–429 b.c., Athenian statesman.

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Pericles British  

/ ˈpɛrɪˌkliːz /

noun

1. ?495–429 _bc , Athenian statesman and leader of the popular party, who contributed greatly to Athens' political and cultural supremacy in Greece. In power from about 460 _bc , he was responsible for the construction of the Parthenon. He conducted the Peloponnesian War (431–404 _bc ) successfully until his death

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Pericles Cultural  

1. A statesman of ancient Greece, who tried to unite the country under the leadership of his own city, Athens (see also Athens). Pericles also promoted democracy within Athens. His rule is sometimes known as the Golden Age of Greece. Many magnificent buildings, including the Parthenon, were built under his administration. He led the Athenians at the beginning of the Peloponnesian War but died soon afterward.

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Example Sentences

After its triumph in war with Persia, Athens under Pericles began to treat its allies as subordinates to be exploited.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

For that is what Pericles, the figure at the center of Mr. Stuttard’s account, names it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Only a month ago, President McInnis and Dean Pericles Lewis speculated, half-jokingly during parents weekend, that Yale has been spared only because “Y” came at the end of the alphabet.

From Salon • Nov. 8, 2025

Pericles Stephanidis died during a low-altitude water drop on the island of Evia.

From Washington Times • Jul. 27, 2023

In sad contrast to the story of Pericles calmly explaining away an eclipse to a frightened sailor, the teaching of scientific astronomy was banned outright in Athens around 432.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro