Pericles is a play by William Shakespeare that was first performed in 1609. The play is set in the city of Athens and tells the story of Pericles, a young prince who is exiled from his homeland. The play chronicles Pericles' journey to the city of Tyre, where he meets and falls in love with the princess Thais. However, when Thais is kidnapped by pirates, Pericles must rescue her and return her to Athens.