The Greatest Speech of all Time: Pericles' Funeral Oration

TL;DR

Collective commemoration and public funerals have long been a tradition in various societies, such as ancient Athens and modern-day Commonwealth countries.

Transcript

remembering those who've died in war is a practice familiar to us when British military personnel died on active service they're entitled to have their bodies returned a funeral at public expense and a service headstone maintained in perpetuity Collective commemoration has become part of our national psyche ever since the end of World War one when ... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Collective commemoration and public funerals have been a tradition since ancient times.
• 👪 The treatment of fallen soldiers' bodies has evolved over the centuries, from neglect and indignity to the practice of returning them to their home countries for burial.
• 💟 Funeral orations, such as Pericles' speech in ancient Athens, have had a lasting influence on the art of public speaking and the commemoration of fallen soldiers.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some examples of countries that continue the tradition of collective commemoration?

Countries in the Commonwealth, such as Britain and Australia, hold annual ceremonies on Remembrance Day to honor those who died in war.

Q: What was the turning point in the treatment of fallen soldiers' bodies?

The Treaty of Frankfort, signed in 1871, marked the end of the franco-prussian war and established the practice of allowing fallen soldiers' bodies to be returned to their home countries for burial.

Q: What significant funeral ceremonies from ancient times are still remembered today?

The burial ceremonies of ancient Greece, such as the ones held after the Battle of Chaeronea and the Battle of Marathon, are still remembered for their elaborate funeral orations and monuments.

Q: How did Pericles' funeral oration influence other speeches in history?

Pericles' speech, delivered during the Peloponnesian War, inspired later speeches by leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, who used similar rhetorical techniques to honor and inspire those who fought in war.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Remembering fallen soldiers in war is a familiar practice in many societies, with traditions dating back centuries.

• Athens, in ancient times, held annual funeral ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers and deliver speeches praising the city-state.

• Modern Commonwealth countries continue this tradition on Remembrance Day, with speeches and ceremonies held to honor those who have died in combat.