Y N0t 2 #21-Pericles, Direct Democracy, and the Delian League (CyberAssignment #1)

Pericles was a "wise and able statesman" (Text Book Pg. 134), and was the leader of Athens for 32 years.  Not only was he a great politician and speech-giver, but he was also a well-respected general for the Athenian army.  He ruled from 461B.C. to 429B.C.: an age referred to as the "Age of Pericles."  During his rule, Pericles increased the number of officials who were on paid salaries (allowed both rich and poor citizens to run), introduced direct democracy, and created the Delian League.  The direct democracy was run by citizens completely: every single law, ostracization, and leader was voted upon by the citizens.  In the agora, citizens would use pot shards to cast their vote into a vase.  Once all the votes were tallied, it would be announced what the final decision was.  The Delian League was a group of countries led by Athens that was formed after the Persian Wars (see the movie 300 for more incredibly accurate details on that) to protect themselves from more attacks.  The money from the league was used for army, navy, and making Athens the hotspot of Ancient Greece.  Pericles' goal was to make Athens the most beautiful city people had ever seen.