Περικλέους Επιτάφιος

by Thucydides, Θουκυδίδης, Ιωάννης Μπάρμπας (Translator)

Pericles' Funeral Oration for the Athenians who had died in the Samian War, a campaign in the First Peloponnesian War, is one of the greatest speeches recorded.

It was an Athenian tradition to eulogise their war dead, and Pericles, the great democratic leader of Athens in the war against Sparta, speaks with unparalleled eloquence of the greatness and glory of Athens.

This is an excerpt from Thucydides' The History of the Peloponnesian War, approximately 430 BC.

Genres: History, Classics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Politics, Greece, Ancient

417 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 432

About the author

Thucydides (c. 460 B.C. – c. 400 B.C.) (Greek Θουκυδίδης ) was an Athenian historian and general. His History of the Peloponnesian War recounts the fifth-century BC war between Sparta and Athens until the year 411 BC. Thucydides has been dubbed the father of "scientific history" by those who accept his claims to have applied strict standards of impartiality and evidence-gathering and analysis of cause and effect, without reference to intervention by the gods, as outlined in his introduction to his work.
He also has been called the father of the school of political realism, which views the political behavior of individuals and the subsequent outcomes of relations between states as ultimately mediated by, and constructed upon, fear and self-interest. His text is still studied at universities and military colleges worldwide. The Melian dialogue is regarded as a seminal text of international relations theory, while his version of Pericles' Funeral Oration is widely studied by political theorists, historians, and students of the classics.
More generally, Thucydides developed an understanding of human nature to explain behavior in such crises as plagues, massacres, and wars.

Reviews

[blondie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Οι αρετές του δημοκρατικού πολιτεύματος, στην ιδανική τους μορφή.

Η αναφορά στην Αθήνα του Περικλή και του Θουκυδίδη δεν γίνεται προκειμένου να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως πρότυπο. Ούτε αποτελεί η Αθηναϊκή Δημοκρατία ένα δείγμα δημοκρατίας. Η αναφορά γίνεται γονιμοποιητικά.

«Το Πολίτευμα μας λέγεται Δημοκρατία, επειδή την εξουσία δεν την ασκούν λίγοι πολίτες, αλλά όλος ο λαός.»

«Αγαπούμε το ωραίο και μένουμε απλοί. Αγαπούμε τη θεωρία και δεν καταντούμε νωθροί. Ο πλούτος στέκει για μας πιο πολύ αφορμή για κάποιο έργο παρά για παινεψιές και λόγια. Και τη φτώχεια του να την παραδεχτεί κανείς, δεν είναι ντροπή. Ντροπή είναι να μην κοιτάξει δουλεύοντας να την ξεφύγει.»
#readthon2018 Ένα βιβλίο που θα έπρεπε να διδάσκεται στα σχολεία

[Evaggelia Katsouli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Κορυφαίος Θουκυδίδης. Απλά υποκλίνεσαι!!!

[Lila Dimaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Εξαιρετικό κείμενο.Προσωπικά το καλύτερο της αρχαίας ελληνικής γραμματείας και δυστυχώς δεν το διδασκονται οι μαθητές στο λύκειο.

[Rosa Ramôa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A nossa constituição política nada tem a invejar às leis que regem os nossos vizinhos;longe de imitar os outros,damos-lhes o exemplo:"

[Brynn Maaskant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child died? Just get some more! See, that’s the ancient wisdom we read the classics for

[Λευτέρης Πετρής · Rating 5 out of 5]

"ἀνδρῶν γάρ ἐπιφανῶν πᾶσα γῆ τάφος - Των επιφανών ανδρών τάφος είναι όλη η γη, και δεν είναι μόνο η επιγραφή στις επιτύμβιες στήλες στην πατρίδα τους που δηλώνει το όνομά τους, αλλά και στους ξένους τόπους σώζεται άγραφη μέσα στην ψυχή καθενός η ανάμνηση όχι τόσο του έργου, όσο της απόφασής τους."

(Θουκυδίδη Ιστορία, εκ. ΠΟΛΙΣ, μετάφραση Ν.Μ. Σκουτερόπουλος)

[Sofie Sieling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say that this is brilliantly written, even though we cannot for sure know if this speech is true to what Pericles may have said in real life without Thucydides's voice. Democratic antithesis.

[Arno Mosikyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of those who have spoken here before me have commended the lawgiver who added this oration to our other funeral customs. It seemed to them a worthy thing that such an honor should be given at their burial to the dead who have fallen on the field of battle. But I should have preferred that, when men's deeds have been brave, they should be honored in deed only, and with such an honor as this public funeral, which you are now witnessing. Then the reputation of many would not have been imperiled on the eloquence or want of eloquence of one, and their virtues believed or not as he spoke well or ill. For it is difficult to say neither too little nor too much; and even moderation is apt not to give the impression of truthfulness. The friend of the dead who knows the facts is likely to think that the words of the speaker fall short of his knowledge and of his wishes; another who is not so well informed, when he hears of anything which surpasses his own powers, will be envious and will suspect exaggeration. Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others so long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him, jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous. However, since our ancestors have set the seal of their approval upon the practice, I must obey, and to the utmost of my power shall endeavor to satisfy the wishes and beliefs of all who hear me.

I will speak first of our ancestors, for it is right and seemly that now, when we are lamenting the dead, a tribute should be paid to their memory. There has never been a time when they did not inhabit this land, which by their valor they will have handed down from generation to generation, and we have received from them a free state. But if they were worthy of praise, still more were our fathers, who added to their inheritance, and after many a struggle transmitted to us their sons this great empire. And we ourselves assembled here today, who are still most of us in the vigor of life, have carried the work of improvement further, and have richly endowed our city with all things, so that she is sufficient for herself both in peace and war. Of the military exploits by which our various possessions were acquired, or of the energy with which we or our fathers drove back the tide of war, Hellenic or Barbarian, I will not speak; for the tale would be long and is familiar to you. But before I praise the dead, I should like to point out by what principles of action we rose ~ to power, and under what institutions and through what manner of life our empire became great. For I conceive that such thoughts are not unsuited to the occasion, and that this numerous assembly of citizens and strangers may profitably listen to them.

...

I have dwelt upon the greatness of Athens because I want to show you that we are contending for a higher prize than those who enjoy none of these privileges, and to establish by manifest proof the merit of these men whom I am now commemorating. Their loftiest praise has been already spoken. For in magnifying the city I have magnified them, and men like them whose virtues made her glorious. And of how few Hellenes can it be said as of them, that their deeds when weighed in the balance have been found equal to their fame! I believe that a death such as theirs has been the true measure of a man's worth; it may be the first revelation of his virtues, but is at any rate their final seal. For even those who come short in other ways may justly plead the valor with which they have fought for their country; they have blotted out the evil with the good, and have benefited the state more by their public services than they have injured her by their private actions. None of these men were enervated by wealth or hesitated to resign the pleasures of life; none of them put off the evil day in the hope, natural to poverty, that a man, though poor, may one day become rich. But, deeming that the punishment of their enemies was sweeter than any of these things, and that they could fall in no nobler cause, they determined at the hazard of their lives to be honorably avenged, and to leave the rest. They resigned to hope their unknown chance of happiness; but in the face of death they resolved to rely upon themselves alone. And when the moment came they were minded to resist and suffer, rather than to fly and save their lives; they ran away from the word of dishonor, but on the battlefield their feet stood fast, and in an instant, at the height of their fortune, they passed away from the scene, not of their fear, but of their glory.

...

[Maggie McKneely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This’ll make you want to pick up arms and die an honorable death in war, just to get this masterclass eulogy.

[Galicius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was struck by this in view of the present fiscal situation:

“And if our more remote ancestors deserve praise, much more
do our own fathers, who added to their inheritance the empire which we
now possess, and spared no pains to be able to leave their acquisitions to us of the present generation.”

[Brooklyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This speech is so interesting in the way that it could be taken by any politician from any country, edited minimally to replace ‘Athens’ with their own country, and it could pass for a riveting public address. Even today, even hundreds of years later.

[Pranav · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Funeral Oration by Pericles is a celebration of everything that the state of Athens stands for. 


Through his masterful speaking skills , Pericles eloquently describes the greatness of the Athenian civilization and their alleged political , economic and cultural superiority over the rest of the Hellenic races. The manner in which he described the great deeds of their ancestors, the uniqueness of the Athenian constitution and how the principles of freedom and justice are ingrained in their blood clearly instils a strong feeling of patriotism and duty in the hearts of the listeners. Pericles smartly reminds the citizens of the military might and wealth of Athens and the luxuries that they enjoy and most importantly the liberal nature of their society.  The following line struck me the most as I feel Pericles convinced the people that Athens is 'worth' fighting for as they would otherwise lose everything that they cherish. "Indeed if I have dwelt at some length upon the character of our country, it has been to show that our stake in the struggle is not the same as theirs who have no such blessings to lose".


However Pericles clearly had motives for making his speech a 'celebration' of Athens. Pericles is clearly one of the great 'war speakers' and like many of those before and after him , he's a connoisseur in detecting the feelings of the people thus enabling him to choose his words correctly. Boosting the Morale of citizens, especially the warriors, is integral in ensuring people stay optimistic and committed to the cause. The subtle remarks Pericles made about rewards for those who merit it (those who distinguish themselves in the conflict) is basically to convince everyone to fight with greater courage than those who fell earlier. War is a period where the seeds of doubt, fear ,confusion and treachery are sown in the hearts of the citizens and it is here that the power of the past and the glory of a great civilization as exercised by Pericles can be most effective.    


Thucydides clearly admires Pericles as a great statesman who's a loyal son of Athens. The manner in which Thucydides presents the funeral oration as a tribute to Athenian civilizational superiority over the rest of Hellas is significant as scholars and statesmen continue to use this 'tactic' to justify their actions.

[Laszlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

''There is no exclusiveness in our public life, and in our private business we are not suspicious of one another, nor angry with our neighbor if he does what he likes; we do not put on sour looks at him which, though harmless, are not pleasant. While we are thus unconstrained in our private business, a spirit of reverence pervades our public acts.''

Aside form the great rhetorical display in the funeral oration, the short text from Thucydides's The History of the Peloponessian War is both an appeal to valor, honor and duty for the citizens of Athens but also an affirmation of the freedom and community spirit of the citizens of the polis. The trust is centered on the integrity and freedom of the individual that constitutes society in affirming and protecting the whole. A great display of Greek autarkeia: individual self-sufficiency, and independent selfhood of the citizen in unions with a strong and united community

[Katiana Kontolati · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Γιατί μόνο εμείς θεωρούμε αυτόν που δεν μετέχει καθόλου στα πολιτικά, όχι φιλειρηνικό, αλλά άχρηστο - και εμείς οι ίδιοι ή διατυπώνουμε κρίση και παίρνουμε αποφάσεις πάνω σε προτάσεις άλλων ή σκεφτόμαστε σωστά και υποβάλλουμε προτάσεις στην κρίση άλλων πάνω στα δημόσια πράγματα, επειδή δεν θεωρούμε τα λόγια βλάβη για τα έργα, αλλά πιο πολύ θεωρούμε βλάβη να μη διαφωτισθούμε με το λόγο από πριν, προτού επιχειρήσουμε αυτά που πρέπει." [Θουκυδίδης. Περικλέους Επιτάφιος, Μετάφραση: Ιωάννης Αχ. Μπάρμπας]

Εξαιρετικός φιλοδημοκρατικός λόγος που αποτυπώνει τις θέσεις του τεράστιου Περικλή που οδήγησε την Αθήνα να γίνει το πολιτιστικό και πνευματικό κέντρου του αρχαίου κόσμου και έβαλε τα θεμέλια ολόκληρου του δυτικού πολιτισμού. Αξίζει να το διαβάσει κανείς πολλές φορές για να αφομιώσει το μεγαλείο του.

[Nduko Elvis Nyanaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Athens was an ancient state in Greece whereby funeral orations were held as a tradition to honor those who died while fighting for the state. In Pericles' funeral oration, a lot is revealed about Athens. However, I almost thought the praise for Athens was partially exaggerated, but Pericles admits by saying "For it is difficult to say neither too little nor too much, and even moderation is apt not to give the impression of truthfulness." There are solid lines in the book about the qualities of a democracy and democratic citizens. The book is good for historians.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is interesting to see (although edited by Thucydides) the classical Athenian perspective. With his self-referential nature to the then-greatness of Athens and optimistic attitude, Pericles depicts how the classical period of ancient Greece deviated from the pessimism of previous decades. Moreover, the piece acts as a great source for analyzing and explaining the historically aberrant portrayals of classical Athenian art. For instance, the Athenians illustrate themselves alongside the gods (for the first time) in the Parthenon.

[Sarah Wang]

“If then we prefer to meet danger with a light heart but without laborious training, a courage which is gained by habit and not enforced by law, are we not greatly the gainers? Since we do not anticipate the pain, although, when the hour comes, we can be as brave as those who never allow themselves to rest…”

[Rey Félix · Rating 3 out of 5]

La introducción de Patricia Varona Codeso es deliciosamente nutrida, a veces hasta empalagosa por el dominio técnico del contexto. Respecto al texto en sí, nos lleva a pensar la concepción que los atenienses tenían de sí mismos, de su ciudad, de su polis.

[Kārlis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful oration from a great man.

[Hernán · Rating 4 out of 5]

"For the whole earth is the tomb of famous men"

[Gabriela (taylor's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

studied for school.

[Jolava]

” judging happiness to be the fruit of freedom and freedom of valour, never decline the dangers of war ” v när de sänkte regeringen

[Timothy Morrison]

Rather gnostic

[Euwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will make you want to take up arms and die in a war. A masterful piece of rhetoric.

[Abril]

Enlightening of the first democracy at a weird moment in life, but for him nothing was uncalculated.

[Gabriele Ferraro]

“Dolore non si ha quando ci siano negati dei beni mai prima sperimentati, ma quando ci venga strappato un bene prezioso al cui possesso ci eravamo assuefatti.”

[Hannah Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This set the bar for what to expect in my political theory class

[Broncosaurio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es la cosa mas fría sobre la muerte en guerra que he leido en mi vida estoy así 👁️👄👁️

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic

[Dan Elton · Rating 5 out of 5]

20 minute oration you can find on YouTube or free on Audible if you have an Audible subscription.