Ancient Greece: Pericles' Funeral Oration Analysis Activity

This activity is meant to give students experience interacting with and interpreting a primary source that demonstrates the beginnings of democratic thought in Ancient Greece. This makes an especially good activity early in the school year, but could be used any time. Students read each excerpt, and - with the help of the teacher, a dictionary, or the internet - interpret the meaning of Pericles’ speech. They are then required to condense their interpretation into a four-word summary. Works great as a discussion-based activity or individual work. This lesson is classroom tested and fully customizable.