There was domestic criticism, however. Politicians denounced both the extravagance of the project and the immorality of using allied funds to finance it. Pericles argued that the allies were paying for their defense, and, if that was assured, Athens did not have to account for how the money was actually spent. The argument ended in ostracism in 443; Thucydides went into exile for 10 years, leaving Pericles unchallenged. It cannot be determined whether the glamour of the project had completely caught Athenian imagination or whether Pericles was now simply thought to be indispensable. There was even criticism from Athens" own citizens. Pericles responded by offering to pay for the buildings himself, provided that he be given full credit for them for posterity. .
"So the politicians. were loudly denouncing Pericles for having squandered and wasted the tribute money. He therefore got up in the Assembly and asked the Athenian people whether they thought he had spent too much. When they said that he had, he replied, 'In that case it should not be you who incur the cost, but me. I will have only my own name inscribed on the sacred buildings." .
(Plutarch's Greek Lives).
Pericles" desire was to make Athens an artistic and cultural as well as a political centre. It was believed that every Grecian should strive for a perfect life; a life dictated by the gods. Hence, all buildings or dwelling places should also attain that certain "perfection." In response, Pericles dedicated himself to beautifying Athens, not only in architecture, but also in spirit. Greek life was dominated by religion and so it is not surprising that the temples of ancient Greece were the biggest and most beautiful. They also had a political purpose as they often built to celebrate civic power and pride, or offer thanksgiving to the patron deity of a city for success in war. .
By achieving harmony and glory through his magnificent structures and monuments to the gods, not only did Pericles hope to inspire the same in his people, but also the respect of all city-states.
Probably the most perfect example of Athens" greatness in art and mathematics is The Parthenon, which was part of the Periclean building program. This magnificent building that sits on its own rubble once was a great symbol of the experience and aspirations of its age. ...
