Pericles

During Athens' Golden Age, notably between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars, Pericles was a well-known and respected statesman, orator, and general. Pericles had such a significant impact on Athenian culture that Thucydides, a historian writing at the time, referred to him as "the first citizen of Athens." During the first two years of the Peloponnesian War, Pericles led his people and transformed the Delian League into an Athenian kingdom. The "Age of Pericles" refers to the time when he was Athens' leader, which roughly spanned 461 to 429 BC, although it can also refer to events that occurred as early as the Persian Wars or as late as the following century.

One major factor in Athens' position as the educational and cultural hub of the ancient world is Pericles' promotion of the arts and literature. He began an ambitious undertaking that produced the most of the Acropolis's remaining buildings (including the Parthenon). With this endeavor, the city was enhanced, its splendor was displayed, and locals were given jobs. Additionally, Pericles promoted Athenian democracy to the point where his detractors label him a populist.

The literary and artistic productions of the Golden Age of Athens, the majority of which are still in existence, are Pericles' most notable legacy. The Acropolis is a representation of contemporary Athens even though it is in ruins.