What was Pericles a major figure in the politics of?

Pericles was a major figure in the politics of Ancient Athens during its Golden Age, particularly in the 5th century BCE. He played a crucial role in the development of Athenian democracy and was instrumental in expanding the Athenian empire. His leadership fostered cultural and artistic achievements, exemplified by the construction of the Parthenon and the promotion of philosophy and the arts, which significantly shaped Western civilization.