How was money from the Athenian alliance used in Pericles’ building program?

Pericles used the funds from the Athenian alliance—originally collected as tribute from members of the Delian League to prosecute the war against Persia—to finance a magnificent and extensive building program in Athens.12

Following the establishment of peace with Persia, Pericles argued that because the allies were paying for their defense, Athens was not required to account for how the surplus tribute was spent. He directed these reserves toward the reconstruction of the Acropolis, which included the construction of the Parthenon, the Propylaea, and the temple of Athena Nike. Additionally, the funds supported the creation of a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena by the sculptor Phidias.123

Pericles’ use of these funds was controversial; critics denounced the extravagance and the morality of using allied money for Athenian projects. Pericles defended the policy by suggesting it stimulated economic activity and provided employment for the population, though historians note these motives may be anachronistic.12