Themistocles

Themistocles (© Copyright: Rolf-G-Wackenberg)

Themistocles

Themistocles was born in 525 B.C. and died in 460/459 B.C. He was one of the utmost political and military figures of the Ancient Hellenic word. Already from 493 B.C. he was chosen as archon eponymus and engaged as General at the Battle of Marathon.

After the death of Miltiades, he took over the role of leader and began implementing his grandiose program for the creation of a powerful fleet to defend Athens from the upcoming Persian attack as well as to develop the first naval force in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In 480 B.C. during the attack of the Xerxes on Greece, Themistocles exhibited superiority in the face of the threat of division of the unity of the Greeks and conceded the command of the Greek Army and Fleet to Sparta. It was his brainchild to have a naval battle take place against the Persians at the Battle of Salamina where Greek triremes proved themselves faster and more efficient that the Persian ships.

Following the war, Themistocles strengthened the defense of Athens by building fortified walls. His political rivals, however, initially succeeded in his ostracism and later in convicting him to. After many transfers, he ended up in the royal court of the Persian King, Artaxerxes and took over the governorship of Magnesia and another four cities until the day he died.