Pericles ruled over Athenian politics. He led Athens to a period of great wealth known as the "Golden Age," during which he used Athenian wealth to adorn the city. Artists were encouraged to promote a public image of peace, prosperity, and power. . The Classical Period in Greece lasted for the majority of the fourth and fifth centuries BCE. The period began shortly after the start of the conflict with Persia and ended with Alexander the Great's death . Greek art from the second half of the fifth century BCE has been widely regarded as the pinnacle of the Classical tradition's development.