Pericles' Funeral Oration facts for kids
Pericles' Funeral Oration is a very famous speech. It was given by a powerful Athenian leader named Pericles. He delivered it at the end of the first year of the Peloponnesian War. This war was a big fight between Athens and Sparta that lasted many years (431 - 404 BCE).
The speech was part of a yearly public funeral. This funeral honored the brave soldiers who had died fighting for Athens.
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What is Pericles' Funeral Oration?
This speech is a well-known part of Thucydides' book, History of the Peloponnesian War. Thucydides was a Greek historian. He wrote down the history of this important war.
Who was Pericles?
Pericles was a very important politician in ancient Athens. He was a leader during Athens' "Golden Age." This was a time when Athens was very strong and creative.
Why was the speech given?
In ancient Athens, there was a special custom. After a war, a public funeral was held for the soldiers who died. Their bodies were placed in a tent for three days. People could bring gifts and honor the dead. Pericles gave his speech at one of these important ceremonies.
How do we know about the speech?
Thucydides recorded the Funeral Oration in his book. He wrote it as if it were exactly what Pericles said. However, many historians believe Thucydides might have changed or corrected parts of it. Thucydides himself said he tried to capture the main ideas of speeches. He did not always write down every single word. We are sure Pericles gave a speech. But we don't know how much of Thucydides' record is exactly what Pericles said.
Why is this speech special?
Pericles' Funeral Oration was different from other funeral speeches. It wasn't just about the dead soldiers. It was also a big praise for Athens itself. David Cartwright, a historian, called it "a eulogy (description) of Athens." The speech talked about how great Athens was. It aimed to make the people proud and encourage them.
A Modern Comparison: Gettysburg Address
The famous Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln is often compared to Pericles' speech. Lincoln gave his speech during the American Civil War. A scholar named Garry Wills said Lincoln's speech was like a modern version of Pericles' Funeral Oration. Both speeches honored fallen soldiers. Both also praised the values of their nations.
See also
In Spanish: Discurso fúnebre de Pericles para niños
