Pericles Funeral Oration

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In Pericles’ Funeral Oration, Pericles’ uses the universality of nationalism to provoke a sense of unity among the citizens of Athens. Although the exact words of the famous Funeral Oration during 431 B.C. are unknown, historian Thucydides conveyed its passion and intent in his writing. Eulogies such as Pericles' were given annually and preceded by a public funeral to commemorate those soldiers who had fallen in battle. Notably, an array of Atticans were well-versed in public speaking and oration, nevertheless only one of the leading citizens were chosen by the city to offer such a speech. It must be emphasized that Pericles' speech held a great degree of weight given the current war against the Peloponnesians and Pericles' status as General