The march towards the development of a democratic society is often hampered by societal unrest due to the influence of the status quo on the instruments of power. Before Solon's reign, Athens suffered the same rule, as there was much discontent among the social classes of Athens. Society has suffered from financial disparities which have often been the trigger for war between the rich and the poor. This was a major factor that forced Solon to take power to institute policies that would see a reformed Athens. In doing so, the company sought a path that would guarantee democracy and a just society for all. The city-state of Athens was the epicenter of the Athenian democratic revolution in the 5th century BC. In Athenian democracy, the electorate voted for bill legislation instead of a direct democracy where voters are responsible for electing the representatives who then drafted the bill. Among the early figures who made significant contributions to the development of Athenian democracy were Solon (594 BC), Cleisthenes (508/7 BC), Pericles (495 – 429 BC) and Ephialtes (462 BC). Pericles was the longest-serving democratic leader who contributed to the development of democracy in the city. This article will report on the time of Pericles. No one would deny that Pericles was the most prominent Greek statesman and spokesperson of the Golden Age. His contribution was widely felt during the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, having gained power through his family connection with the Alcmaeonid family. He commanded much respect from Athenian citizens, with Thucydides describing him as "the first citizen of Athens". He was born around 495 BC north of Athens middle of paper..... .nstitution (Thuc. 2.37)." American Journal of Philology 125, no. 4 (2004): 539-561. Bowden, Hugh . "Thucydides, Pericles and the Imperialism of Pericles." . Pericles and Athens. London: Hodder & Stoughton for English Universities Press, 1948. Clarke, Fiona and Mark Bergin. birth of democracy. New York: Free Press;, 1991. Podlecki, Anthony J.. Perikles and his circle. London: Routledge, 1998. Raaflaub, Kurt A. and Josiah Ober. : University of California Press, 2007. Robinson, Charles Alexander Athens in the Time of Pericles Norman: University of Oklahoma Press., 1959.