Who led the Athenian Empire?

The Athenian Empire was primarily led by the city-state of Athens during the 5th century BCE, particularly under the leadership of influential statesmen such as Pericles. Under his guidance, Athens expanded its influence through the Delian League, which was initially formed as a mutual defense alliance against Persia but evolved into an Athenian hegemony. Pericles' policies and democratic reforms strengthened Athens both politically and culturally, establishing it as a dominant power in the ancient Mediterranean.