Pericles' Funeral Oration and Its Impact

The video discusses the annual public funerals held by Athenians for soldiers who died in war, focusing on the year 431 BC during the Peloponnesian War. Pericles, known for his eloquence, was chosen to deliver a speech honoring the war dead. His speech, recorded by Thucydides, avoided nationalistic rhetoric and highlighted the virtues of Athenian democracy. The speech's influence is seen in later historical speeches, including Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Obama's inauguration speech.

What was the primary reason for the increase in Athenian war casualties in 431 BC?

• A rebellion within the city

• The outbreak of the Peloponnesian War

• A plague in Athens

• A natural disaster

Why was Pericles chosen to deliver the funeral oration?

• He volunteered for the task

• He was the most experienced general

• He had the most beautiful voice

• He was the oldest statesman

What was the significance of the empty coffins during the funeral?

• They symbolized the unknown soldiers

• They allowed people to remember the dead who were not returned

• They were used to store weapons

• They were a sign of defeat

What was unique about the way Pericles delivered his speech?

• He spoke in a foreign language

• He focused on Athenian democracy

• He used nationalistic rhetoric

• He criticized the war efforts

Who recorded Pericles' famous funeral oration?

• Herodotus

• Plato

• Thucydides

• Socrates

What did Pericles avoid in his funeral oration?

• Mentioning the deceased

• Praising the enemy

• Blatant nationalistic rhetoric

• Discussing the war strategy

What made the funeral oration a unique civic event in Athens?

• It was held in a secret location

• It was conducted in complete silence

• Only men were allowed to attend

• All citizens, including women and foreigners, attended

Which famous speech was influenced by Pericles' funeral oration?

• John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address

• Winston Churchill's 'We Shall Fight on the Beaches'

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream'

• Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

What was a key theme in Pericles' speech?

• The need for revenge

• The importance of wealth

• The power of the Athenian military

• The glories of Athenian democracy

Which modern leader's speeches were influenced by Pericles' oration?

• Nelson Mandela

• Barack Obama

• Margaret Thatcher

• Angela Merkel