Since Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy, the ancient Greek statesman Pericles must be considered its father.

Pericles lifted Athens into a golden age through his support of the arts, architecture, philosophy, and democracy building.

THE AGE OF PERICLES. Share full article. Feb. 5, 1882. Credit... The New York Times Archives. See the article in its original context from February 5, 1882, Page 3 Buy Reprints. View on timesmachine.

Modern audiences know Pericles best for the funeral oration he delivered in 431 BC, which acclaimed author Steven Pressfield suggests may have “marked the pinnacle of Athens’ Golden Age ...