Who was the leader of Athens during the Persian invasion under Darius the Great?

The leader of Athens during the Persian invasion under Darius the Great was indeed Pericles, who played a significant role in Athenian politics and military strategy during this period. Although Darius’ invasion ultimately culminated in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE before Pericles’ most prominent period of influence in the 450s BCE, he emerged as a powerful leader shortly thereafter, advocating for Athenian democracy and the expansion of its naval power.

Pericles' influence solidified Athens' power and laid the groundwork for its role in the subsequent conflicts with Persia, particularly during the Persian Wars. His strategies and vision for Athenian supremacy shaped how Athens approached conflicts and governance. This leadership was critical in organizing the city-state's defenses and supporting its allies, which would eventually lead to significant victories in the Greco-Persian Wars.

The other figures listed, such as Thucydides, Socrates, and Plato, were influential in their own rights but emerged in different contexts. Thucydides, primarily a historian, documented events rather than leading in military terms. Socrates was a philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology but did not hold a political position during the invasions. Plato, a student of Socrates