Athens had developed a custom of choosing a man of approved wisdom and good reputation to pronounce the eulogium of those who had fallen in a war. Before the burial ceremony, offerings were to be brought to the relatives of their dead friends. During the battle, some bodies couldn’t be recovered. To cater for the missinf bodies, an empty bier could be used while cypress coffins were used for the found bodies.
These bodies would be laid in a public sepulture within the City that was for all those who died during the war. Pericles, son of Xanthipus, was the Athenian Leader at the time of the Peloponnesian War. After those who had fallen in the battle had been laid to rest, he used the opportunity to give an address on the value of democracy…show more content… In his speech, he says the real disgrace about poverty isn’t in owning but in declining the struggle to end it. Athens was determined to empower the less privileged amongst the people as part of their freedom. Generosity was a virtue among the citizens. “The people strived to help each other extending favors and kindness as a show of confidence in liberality.”
The commitment of the soldiers to fight for their city showed love and commitment to ensuring safety, peace and unity in the city. Pericles categorically states how the fallen men couldn’t allow their chance to enjoy wealth or their hope of freedom from poverty could stop them from facing danger on behalf of their beautiful city. The worth they had displayed in fighting for the good of their city was rewarded by a funeral prepared at the people’s cost.
Every hero ought to be celebrated, respected and honored. This was what Athens used to do to her fallen soldiers.
The unity of the city could be felt during such times. The bodies of the deceased were put in cypress coffins and categorized according to the tribes. Three days before the funeral ceremony, friends would bring their offerings to the relatives of the deceased as they give their last
