Pericles: life of the week

Paul Cartledge explores the life, politics and legacy of remarkable Athenian statesman

Published: July 28, 2026 at 2:43 PM

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Ancient Athenian statesman Pericles was a remarkable figure – renowned for promoting democracy, championing the arts and shaping the fate of the Athenian empire – but his legacy of military mistakes and eccentricity has landed him with a somewhat mixed reputation.

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Speaking to Emily Briffett, historian Paul Cartledge presents a more nuanced portrait of Pericles, exploring the his political career, cultural influence, personal life and enduring legacy from antiquity to the present day.

Authors

Emily BriffettSenior content producer (podcasts)

Emily Briffett is senior content producer (podcasts) at HistoryExtra

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