PERICLES, CLEON AND THE ANDRAGATHIZOMENOI
<p>In 430 B.C. Pericles appealed to the Athenians with his last speech that is remarkable for its mention of those Athenians who ‘in the alarm of the moment has become enamored of the honesty of such an unambitious part (ἀπραγμοσύνῃ ἀνδραγαθίζεται)’ or “playing the <em>agathos</em>...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Mega Publishing House
2022-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology |
| Online Access: | https://jaha.org.ro/index.php/JAHA/article/view/703 |
| Summary: | <p>In 430 B.C. Pericles appealed to the Athenians with his last speech that is remarkable for its mention of those Athenians who ‘in the alarm of the moment has become enamored of the honesty of such an unambitious part (ἀπραγμοσύνῃ ἀνδραγαθίζεται)’ or “playing the <em>agathos</em> by remaining inactive” in alternative translation. I should label them as <em>andragithozomenoi</em>. Cleon’s speech in the Mytilenean debate displays many ideas in common with Pericles’ last speech. He reproaches those who ‘cultivate honesty without danger (ἐκ τοῦ ἀκινδύνου ἀνδραγαθίζεσθαι)’. One can easily find in Cleon a close stylistic similarity with Pericles’ speech. Both speakers label Athens’ power over the allies as a tyranny. They both mention <em>andragathizomenoi</em> and made them responsible for giving up the empire. Whether these textual similarities were accidental or intentional and who were <em>andragathizomenoi</em>?</p> |
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| ISSN: | 2360-266X |