Pericles, and the Peloponnesian and Persian Wars - Essay Example

The treasury was dedicated to protecting the member cities of the League from attack by Persia and Pericles used his persuasion to ensure that Athens benefits the most from the treasury. Pericles could be labeled as tyrannical because he was also arrogant. For example, Thucydides recounts that Pericles spoke with pride, saying that there was no living Athenian whoever put on mourning because of him (Thucydides 180).

Pericles acted tyrannically as can be seen when he influence the Dalian League to send troops to engage the Peloponnese. Even though the League lost in the end, Pericles led the fight against the Peloponnesian war and this brought it many victories between 410 and 406. Finally, Pericles’ tyranny is best seen in his ability to manipulate his opponents’ arguments to his favor. For example, when confronted by some members of the Assembly about a fault they had noted in one of the policies they had passed under his influence, Pericles was candid.

He countered that he could not change easily. He blatantly told them that they were the ones who changed but they initially took his advice gladly thinking that all would work out but only regretted it later when it did not (Thucydides 180).