At a “trial” organized by Chicago’s National Hellenic Museum a distinguished jury of 12 community leaders and an audience of over 600 attendees found the Athenian statesman Pericles “guilty” of subverting the law.
Pericles changed the Athenian Constitution to revoke the citizenship of those without two Athenian parents, claiming this was necessary to protect Athens from foreign influence.
Pericles is known as a great Athenian statesman and a guardian of Athenian democracy. He was responsible for building the structures on the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, which have survived through the ages to remind us of his greatness and visionary thinking.
He also promoted the arts, literature, and philosophy and gave free rein to some of the most inspired writers, artists, and thinkers of his time, giving Athens the reputation of being the educational and cultural center of the ancient world.
A great statesman, as well as a successful general, he increased the power of Athens through his use of the Delian League to form the Athenian empire.
Why the National Hellenic Museum trial found Pericles guilty
However, as leader of Athens, Pericles made many controversial decisions that complicated his legacy.
None of those decisions is more controversial than the 451 B.C. Citizenship Law, which changed the Athenian Constitution to revoke the citizenship of those without two Athenian parents. Previously, citizenship had been granted to anyone with an Athenian father.
Pericles and his allies claimed that the law was necessary to protect Athens from dangerous foreign influences and maintain the integrity of their democracy.
Others viewed it as tyrannical because they lost their previously held civil liberties, including the right to vote. Some believe Pericles would have been tried had he survived the plague of 430 B.C.
The Trial testimony from Pericles himself, played by Judge Paul Lillios (Ret.), and prosecution witness Olympia, a non-Athenian wife and mother in Athens, played by Judge Megan Goldish, with emotion and humor, the successful prosecution team was led by Katerina Alexopoulos (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), Patrick M. Collins (King & Spalding LLP), and Tinos Diamantatos (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP). Presenting the defense of Pericles were Sarah F. King (Clifford Law Offices PC), James C. Pullos (Clifford Law Offices PC), and Patrick A. Salvi II (Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard PC).
The event was emceed by award-winning Chicago media personality and NHM Trustee Andrea Darlas.
All three judges found Pericles guilty as well, which included Hon. Anna H. Demacopoulos (Ret. Circuit Court Judge, State of Illinois), Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos (Circuit Court Judge, State of Illinois), and Hon. Lindsay C. Jenkins (U.S. District Court Judge, Northern District of Illinois).
Their unanimous verdict underscored the significance of the trial’s deliberations, reflecting how Pericles’ decisions still resonate today, particularly regarding citizenship.
The Trial, an exploration of historical narratives, illuminated Pericles’ enduring impact, inviting reflection on the complexities of citizenship and governance across centuries.
2023 trial of Socrates
In 2023 Socrates, the philosopher from Athens who is credited as the founder of Western philosophy, was found not guilty in a mock trial conducted by the National Hellenic Museum (NHM).
Socrates was “re-tried” on charges of breaking Athenian laws 2,500 years ago when he was found guilty and put to death at the age of 70 in Ancient Greece.
Each of the Trials organized by NHM has received high acclaim.
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