d died in the early battles of the Peloponnesian War and to remind all Athenian citizens why these men had fought and died. It was a common practice in Athens to hold a public funeral for the soldiers who were killed in battle. All Athenian soldiers killed in battle (except for the men killed at Marathon) were placed in a suburb of the city were they could be honored as heroes.
             Pericles describes democracy as a unique system of government unlike any that the world had ever seen. Pericles gives this definition of democracy, "Power in the hands not of a minority but of the whole people". Within Athenian democracy Pericles argues that every citizen is viewed equally under the law. Citizens are not judged by social class but by their own individual accomplishments. Pericles explains what makes this system of government even better is the fact that all citizens are encouraged or even expected to participate in it. Pericles argues that because the citizens are involved in the government and they put men in positions of authority they should not only be expected to follow the laws but due so willingly. The law is a very important part of the government and as Pericles puts it, "It commands our deep respect". Pericles also states that the laws are written in favor of the common man and even protect the oppressed, which he feels are the most important !
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