Pericles, born 495 B.C., was arguably the most influential statesmen throughout the Golden Ages. His actions to secure political power were of those destined for greatness. Born into a wealthy, well regarded family enabled him to the wealth required to start off his career as an honoured, well-educated respectable man. Early into his career Pericles stripped the powerful council, the Aeropaus of their power. Allowing him to become even more popular to those of Athens, and move into a more forefront position of the political side of Athens. Pericles was the leader of many strong battles with surrounding states, as well as created many new laws and movements internally, including the Citizenship Law. The powerful combination of family heritage,…show more content… His Father, Xanthippus was elected for life on the list of Archons and had killed the Persian King. His mother was the niece of Cleisthenes, who was the father of Athenian democracy. This upbringing helped Pericles achieve and secure political power by getting the opportunity to receive a good education taught by the best of that time. Pericles aimed for knowledge and to be the best that he could, and was taught by Damon and Anaxagoras. Damon taught him music and political science, and Anaxagoras had taught Pericles to use the voice of reason in the place of Greek myth. From this Pericles became the speaker of unequalled ability, and grew in power as a political persuader and began winning respect for his power and integrity. Pericles gained an understanding of Athenian politics, after his father was ostracized by the unstable political arena. Pericles began to become cautious and careful in his public and private lives and used backdoor politics to implement policies through friends and public servants “Pericles apparently waited until the two political giants of an earlier generation, Themistocles and Aristides, were out of the way and Cimon was continually off on Military campaigns.” (Kagan 26). A well planned strategy about military expertise and drive gained trust of the city-state. In 462 B.C. Cimon was accused of accepting a bribe and the democrats chose Pericles as the prosecutor. Although he lost the case, Pericles gained respect amongst the Athenians, leading Pericles to achieve and secure political