Pericles. Engraving of Classical Greek marble bust of the statesman and orator Pericles (c.495-429 BC), who presided over the prosperous insGolden Ageins of Athens. Politically a radical, Pericles helped to push through the reforms that led to full Athenian democracy. His hostility towards the rival Greek power of Sparta led to the Peloponnes- ian War (431-404 BC) and his overthrow in 430 BC. Although quickly reinstated Pericles died shortly after of the bubonic plague. At a funeral speech in honour of Athens' war-dead he said insOne's sense of honour is the only thing that does not grow oldins.