Architects of the Athenian Empire, Part II: Pericles
Stephen Usher describes how Pericles became the embodiment of Athenian imperialism; which he exalted because, like General De Gaulle, he believed that his own country had a mighty civilizing mission.
Entrusted by a friendly sparta with the organization of the Greek mission of revenge against Persia, the Athenians found the Ionians and the islanders also prepared to accord them the leading role in the formation and management of the new confederacy. The Athenian Aristides was chosen, because of his reputation for honesty, to assess each member’s contribution to the proposed war; and the collectors of these fees, called Hellenotamiai—‘Stewards of Greece’ —were appointed by the Athenians. The deliberative machinery of the confederacy gave them clear advantages over their allies, and the choice of the sacred island of Delos as the meeting-place and site of the treasury showed where the real centre of power lay. Further developments strengthened the Athenian position. The confederacy was maritime by nature, and provision of ships was the primary duty of its members; but some of the smaller associates were found to be too poor to contribute even a single trireme, and were therefore permitted to supply money instead.
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