A Leader’s Popularity The Peloponnesian Wars by Thucydides is, in many ways, a text that analyzes the strengths and weakness of ancient governments. The aspects of oligarchy and democracy are expounded upon in the characters of Archidamus and Pericles respectively. Therefore, comparing the position of these leaders will lead to the influence they have over their people and finally the way in which they attempt to retain their popularity with their people. Athens is a democracy at the time of the Peloponnesian Wars and Pericles is an elected general. Thucydides, himself, describes the great aptitude with which Pericles rules saying that by his “rank, ability and known integrity, [Pericles] was enabled to exercise an independent control over …show more content…
According to Thucydides, Pericles was greatly esteemed by the Athenian people, because he “lead them instead of being led by them…he never sought power by improper means” (T 2.65). Pericles, as a general elected by the people of Athens, is generally respected by the people. This is supported in that he was chosen by the people to speak at the funeral of fallen soldiers. One may therefore assume that he is thought of not only as a good leader but also as a good Athenian as he leads the people in an ancient custom of burial. During the funeral oration Pericles offers great support for Athenian democracy, insisting that the very characteristics of democracy that make his nation great is the fact that the Athenian Constitution favors the “many instead of the few” (T 2.37). In fact, Pericles is viewed by Thucydides to be the epitome of Athenian Democracy, calling him the “first man of Athens” (T 1.140). This title is indicative of the fact that Pericles is representative of both the nation and the citizens of …show more content…
The people react negatively to Archidamus’s advice and vote in favor of Sthenelaidas to immediately declare war. Not only do the people dismiss Archidamus’ advice but as the war progresses they blame their king for his lack of action. Like Pericles, Archidamus loses favor with his people during the war. His lack of initiative injured his public reputation and his army blamed their many losses at Oenoe to the “procrastination” of Archidamus (T 2.18). King Archidamus is never able to overcome his