The Age of Pericles

After Cimon was banished, Pericles became sole leader. Spartans rebuilt their city and planned revenge. Threatened by both Sparta and Persia, Athens recalled Cimon. He won victories, forced a five-year truce with Sparta, defeated Persia, and made Artaxerxes swear never to attack again. Cimon died from wounds but his death was kept secret for a month. Meanwhile, Pericles built the Long Walls to the Piraeus and increased the navy. War with Sparta resumed and continued until Athens agreed to a thirty-year peace. During this peace, Pericles built the Parthenon with Phidias's sculptures. But Phidias was falsely accused of stealing gold and died in prison.