The Age of Pericles and the Delian League

What happened

After the Persian Wars, Athens led the Delian League, an alliance of Greek states formed in 478 BCE for defense against Persia, which it gradually turned into an Athenian empire. Under the statesman Pericles, Athens entered a golden age of democracy, art, and imperial power.

Why it matters

The Age of Pericles was the height of Athenian civilization — the setting for its greatest achievements in politics, philosophy, drama, and architecture.

Sources

• World History Encyclopedia. Pericles · Reputable source
• World History Encyclopedia. Delian League · Reputable source