Why was the era of Pericles so important in Greek History?

Pericles was the Athenian ruler at the apex of Athenian society. He was put in power after Themistocles. During his reign, he built up Athens and made significant alteration to the Delian League.
Pericles was born in 495 B.C.. He was raised in an upper-class environment. Surrounded by nobility and wealth, Pericles was inspired to pursue higher education. In his time, he was able to train with some of Greek's best scholars and philosophers. At this time, education was at its highest.
Also in his time, many military advances were made. With the massive navy that had recently been built and many victories under former ruler Themistocles, Athens made astounding military advances. Pericles took part in wars such as The First Peloponnesian War, Second Sacred War, and the Samian War.
Also, while he was in power, Pericles built up Athens. He embarked on a massive construction project, including full employment (meaning; jobs for almost everyone). At this time was when the Parthenon was built. The Parthenon was the temple to Athena, the virgin. This temple marked the apex of Athenian power, it was the ultimate display of Athens greatness under Pericles.
Pericles ruled for about 15 years. In 129 B.C., at about age 65, Pericles died. But, he did leave a legacy. Marking the Apex of Athens, he is revered as one of early Greeks greatest rulers.