Pericles

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A prominent statesman and general in ancient Greece known for leading Athens during its golden age and promoting arts and democracy
2. A key figure in Classical Athens who played a significant role in developing democracy and fostering cultural achievements during the 5th century BCE
3. An influential leader admired for his contributions to governance, military strategy, and the flourishing of artistic and intellectual endeavors in ancient Greek society

Etymology: Pericles was the Athenian statesman who dominated the city's politics from about 461 to 429 BCE, a stretch that historians now call its golden age. The name he carried was itself a statement of intent. In Ancient Greek, "Periklēs" combines "perí", meaning "around", with "kléos", meaning "glory", so the name roughly means "far-famed" or "surrounded by glory." The name passed from Greek into Latin as "Periclēs", and English took it from there. Its sound was familiar enough that the Athenian's name became a byword for leadership, and people kept reaching for it whenever they wanted to praise a city's cultural flowering.