Pericles, the prominent statesman of ancient Athens, made the declaration "We are the school of Hellas" during a speech in the mid-5th century BCE. This statement has significant implications and reflects the Athenians' self-perceived role as leaders of the Greek world.
To understand the significance of this declaration, we need to break it down into two parts: what was Pericles implying, and how did he apply it to both potential enemies and the subjects of Athenian rule.
1. Implied Leadership: By stating, "We are the school of Hellas," Pericles was suggesting that Athens was the leading city-state in Greece, serving as an example or a model for other Greek communities. This statement implies that Athens should be seen as an educational institution, where other cities could learn from its political systems, cultural achievements, and intellectual advancements.
2. Potential Enemies: Regarding potential enemies, Pericles was insinuating that any aggression against Athens would not only be an attack on the city-state but an assault on education, enlightenment, and progress. By presenting Athens as the "school of Hellas," Pericles aimed to deter potential enemies by implying the consequences of undermining Athens as the intellectual and cultural capital of Greece.
3. Subjects of Athenian Rule: Pericles' declaration had a dual purpose when it came to the subjects of Athenian rule. First, it served as a reminder to the Athenian citizens of their responsibilities as leaders of Greece. Pericles wanted to inspire and motivate his fellow Athenians to live up to this self-perceived role. Secondly, it aimed to emphasize the benefits of Athenian rule to the subject cities and populations under Athenian dominance. By positioning Athens as the "school of Hellas," Pericles conveyed that being under Athenian rule meant access to knowledge, culture, and progress.
In summary, Pericles' declaration, "We are the school of Hellas," indicated Athens' self-perceived leadership role in Greece and its responsibility to serve as an example to other cities. It conveyed a warning to potential enemies by highlighting the attack on education and progress that any aggression against Athens would symbolize. Simultaneously, it served as a source of inspiration for Athenian citizens and showcased the advantages of being under Athenian rule to subject cities and populations.