Why is the Athenian state under Pericles defined as the “golden age”?

During the reign of Pericles, the Athenian state flourished. This is due to the fact that reforms were carried out, which significantly improved the situation of the Athenians. So citizens began to receive a salary for their work for the first time. Now any citizen could take one or another position. Of course, this state of affairs did not like the aristocrats, they in every possible way adjusted the intrigues of Pericles. But he was very smart and enjoyed the support of the entire population of the state.