# Pericles (ca. 495-429 B.C.) a statesman of ancient Greece, who tried to unite the country under the leadership of his own city, Athens. Pericles also promoted democracy within Athens and was the leader of the Athens government for thirty years. His rule is sometimes known as the Golden Age of Greece. Many magnificent buildings were built under his administration and the "Age of Pericles" came to stand for all that was the highest in the art and science of the ancient world. The state had a period of great prosperity and literature and philosophy flourished.