Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

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Pericles of Athens and the Dangers of Democracy

Mon, October 24, 2016
Dinner Program
Loren J. Samons

Though most often the object of praise by moderns, Pericles attracted significant criticism in antiquity. Loren J. Samons believes that a careful study of Pericles’ career offers potential lessons for the contemporary world, particularly about the dangers presented by elections and by faith in democratic government.

Loren J. Samons is professor of classical studies at Boston University, where he has taught ancient history, Greek, Latin, and humanities for almost 25 years. Samons' focus rests in the history of Greece in the fifth and sixth centuries B.C., with particular interests in Athenian politics and imperialism. His current research is concerned in particular with the figures of Pericles and Kimon, Athenian foreign policy, and the composition of Herodotus’ and Thucydides’ histories. He also has interests in the later Roman empire, ancient warfare, and the classical tradition. 

Much of his work, especially the book What's Wrong with Democracy? (2004), focuses on the intersection of democracy and imperialism and on the relationship between ancient and modern government. His most recent book, Pericles and the Conquest of History (2016), continues to trace these themes and to offer potential lessons for contemporary society.

View Video: YouTube with Loren Samons

Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum

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