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Themistocles: The Powerbroker of Athens

Neil Gaiman

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Themistocles was a brilliant Athenian statesman and military leader who played a key role in the victory of the Greeks over the Persians in the Battle of Salamis. He was a shrewd politician who used his influence to advance his own interests and the interests of Athens. Themistocles was also a great general who developed new strategies and tactics that helped the Greeks win the war. He is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history.

Themistocles: The Powerbroker of Athens

by David Brock Katz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Life and Career

Themistocles was born in Athens in 524 BC. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and a noblewoman. Themistocles received a good education and was trained in the art of war. He began his political career as a young man and quickly rose to prominence. He was elected to the Council of Five Hundred, which was the governing body of Athens. Themistocles quickly became one of the most influential members of the Council and played a leading role in the development of Athenian policy.

The Persian Wars

In 480 BC, the Persian king Xerxes invaded Greece with a massive army. The Greeks were outnumbered and outmatched, but they were determined to defend their homeland. Themistocles played a key role in the Greek victory over the Persians. He was the architect of the Athenian naval strategy that led to the victory at the Battle of Salamis. Themistocles also played a leading role in the defense of Athens against the Persian army. After the victory over the Persians, Themistocles was hailed as a hero. He was elected to the position of archon, which was the highest office in Athens. Themistocles used his power to rebuild Athens and to strengthen its defenses.

Later Career and Death

Themistocles continued to play a leading role in Athenian politics for many years after the Persian Wars. He was a strong advocate for the expansion of Athenian power and influence. Themistocles also played a key role in the development of the Athenian navy. He was responsible for the construction of the Long Walls, which connected Athens to its port, Piraeus. The Long Walls made Athens one of the most powerful naval powers in the Mediterranean.

In 471 BC, Themistocles was ostracized from Athens. This was a form of political exile that was used to remove political opponents. Themistocles went into exile in Persia, where he was welcomed by the Persian king, Artaxerxes I. Themistocles lived in Persia for the rest of his life. He died in 459 BC.

Legacy

Themistocles is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. He was a brilliant strategist and tactician who played a key role in the victory of the Greeks over the Persians. Themistocles was also a shrewd politician who used his influence to advance his own interests and the interests of Athens. He was a complex and controversial figure, but he was undoubtedly one of the most important figures in Athenian history.

Themistocles was a brilliant Athenian statesman and military leader who played a key role in the victory of the Greeks over the Persians. He was a shrewd politician who used his influence to advance his own interests and the interests of Athens. Themistocles was also a great general who developed new strategies and tactics that helped the Greeks win the war. He is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history.

Themistocles: The Powerbroker of Athens

by David Brock Katz

4.5 out of 5