In the wrestling school the boys learned to run, to jump, to dance, and especially to throw the javelin. At fifteen they attended the gymnasium where they were taught the more difficult athletic games. This led up to the next great event in the young man's life, his preparation for becoming a citizen.
Soldier-citizens
This important event came at the age of eighteen. It began with a great ceremony. The young men came into the assembly before all the men of the city. Here they were given a spear and shield. With their hands raised they took an oath never to bring shame upon the city nor to desert a companion in arms. They pledged themselves to give over the city of Athens to their children greater than when they had found it.
After this ceremony was over, the young men marched away to be trained for two years more in the art of being soldiers. When they had reached their twentieth year, they returned to Athens to become citizens of the republic, to work for its good, and to enjoy the pleasures of that charming city.
Character of Pericles
270. Pericles, the Wise Statesman. Pericles lived in the "Golden Age of Athens." He was born nearly 500 years before Christ. He was trained in the same manner as any other boy in Athens. He became one of the first orators of Greece and his ability as a speaker gave him great power over his people. He became one of their leading officers. Pericles stood for the people and against those men of aristocratic ways who wanted the city ruled by the few.
HEAD OF PERICLES
After the original in the British Museum
Cimon was the leader of the aristocracy. The people of Athens voted to banish him. But after a time Pericles had him brought back to Athens. This shows how very kind-hearted Pericles was toward his great political enemy.