Primary source document analysis

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The document, which is a speech, was declared law to be read to the people by Pericles the leader of Athens during funerals of the fallen men in battle that were held publicly (Gill, 2012). In this occasion, it was read at the funeral of the men who died during the first battle of the Peloponnesian war. The purpose of the document was to remind the people of Athens the value of democracy that they enjoyed which other countries did not. The statement was addressed to the crowd that, attended these public funerals of the fallen men in battles at the sepulchre. The major points that were covered in the document were a tribute to the ancestors, the independent constitution, material achievements of the past military, the various characters of Athenians, the hospitality of the Greeks, the strength of their military, the wealth and the fallen heroes (Halsall, 2000).

The content of the document and its effects on values and concerns of the civilization can be described through the major points mentioned above. In paying tribute to the ancestors and the fore fathers who labored tirelessly, to make Greece what it was and left it to their children to inherit wealth. The great empire and excellent democracy shows that the Greeks value their achievements over time (Bagnall, 2006). In addition, it reflects on their concern for civilization that they would want to leave behind for their children. The other major point addressed in the document, was the achievements of the past military that brought possessions to Athens through their foreign aggression, hence increased their wealth as a country enabling them to be more civilized than other countries around them.

The independent Constitution that Athens had which. ensured equal justice and rights to all, freedom to do as one wishes and that all citizens abide to the law and respect the courts, reflects on the values the Greeks had on each other regardless of their class, social standing and poverty. In addition, the constitution ensured that democracy was practiced which in turn brought civilization to the country and made the Greeks value their country more. The people of Athens enjoy the fruits of their Labour together with those of other countries, which they access through their great harbor. They love to relax through celebrations of their games and offering sacrifices. This reflects on their various characters that value the civilization they have at their disposal.

The hospitality of the Greeks is addressed in the document through their open foreign policy which is extended to all the foreigners without discrimination. This reflects how civilized Greeks were and how much they valued it. Their military that is unrivaled, strong, always ready to attack in the face of danger, and does not require any alliance with its neighbors, is praised greatly in the document and is a clear indication of how Greeks were concerned with their own civilization, hence they didn’t form any alliance with their neighbors when attacking their enemies. The wealth of the Greeks is also covered in the documents. It is employed to use rather than show off, which is a reflection of how much Greeks were concerned with civilization, hence they used their wealth to achieve it rather than waste it boasting to other nations.

The patriotism of the Greeks is addressed in the document through their involvement in public matters as well as their private life and their discussion of issues. They knew that for them to achieve civilization they had to be involved in all issues through discussions. Their generosity towards other nation is a source of considerable pride to the Greeks, which in turn, the other nation owes the Greeks favors, and this expanded their civilization beyond boarders. In addition, the greatness of the fallen men during war is covered, how their bravery has made Athens what it is through their fearlessness in times of danger and how their relatives celebrated rather than mourned their deaths. The fallen men are praised for their bravery, and their greatness is said to be elevated beyond that of the living men (Lendon, 2010). All this shows that the Greeks valued the sacrifices the fallen men had made on behalf of the country and how it had brought about civilization.

Conclusion

From the document, it is evident that civilization has been in existence for a long time, and it gets better with time. It is also not easy to achieve it without the will, sacrifice and dedication. In addition, for a country to achieve wholesome civilization, it has to be first achieved in all aspects of a nation that include politics, military, foreign policies, constitution, distribution of resources and the way people relate to each other.

References

Bagnall, N. (2006). The Peloponnesian War: Athens, Sparta and the struggle for Greece. New York, NY: Thomas Dunne Books.

Gill, N. S. (2012). Pericles (c. 495 – 429 B.C.). Retrieved from http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/pericles/p/Pericles.htm.

Halsall, P. (2000). Ancient History Sourcebook: Thucydides (c.460/455-c.399 BCE): Pericles’ Funeral Oration from the Peloponnesian War (Book 2.34-46). FORDHAM UNIVERSITY. Retrieved from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/pericles-funeralspeech.asp.

Lendon, J. E. (2010). Song of wrath: The Peloponnesian War begins. New York, NY: Basic Books.