e war numerous soldiers died. Pericles was given the honour to speak for those who lost family members in the war. The speech Pericles gave was in reference to his father but it also touched upon the other families who had died in the battle. Pericles wanted to console and raise the spirits of the community. In his tribute to the warriors, Pericles spoke about the country and the democracy that he and the community all belonged too. He claimed that it is the country that produces the love the people have for it, and it is the country that encourages soldiers to be proud to fight for the country and its people. Athens and it’s people accepted foreigners and outsiders into the country, however these people often had difficulties adjusting to the way of life of Athenians. In most cases they learned quickly of the pride that the Athenians held and eventually it grew inside them as well. Pericles wanted the people to know that everyone was and should have been proud of Athens and that the people will protect their country when necessary. The warriors, according to Pericles, were seen as an example of how Athenians should live their lives. These warriors were heroes in Athens due to the fact that they defended their country in war and were not afraid to die for their country and it’s people. Athenians set a goal for themselves, they wanted to love and shield their state in all ways possible and they wanted to choose the most honourable way to die, that being during battle. The reason this way of death is seen to be so honourable is because it showed that the soldiers fully loved their country and it meant that they had completed their goal. “And where the rewards for merit are greatest, there are found the best citizens.” (Thucydides, 109) In conclusion, it can be said that the Funeral Operation proved how important and significant the warrior class was in Athens and how the people of Athens had a great respect fo...
