Portrait: AI-generated imagined likeness
Politician · Military leader
Athenian politician and military leader during the Persian Wars. He strengthened his naval power and contributed to the Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis. He is a person who considers the prehistory of Athenian democracy and the maritime empire.
View in catalogAthens
Birth
Salamis
Campaign
Battle of Salamis
480 BC
Battle · Commander
Map: Natural Earth (PD)
Born in Athens, he rose to prominence in polis politics. In view of the threat from Persia, he promoted a policy of using the proceeds from the Laureion silver mines to build a fleet.
At the Battle of Salamis, he led the Greek fleet to an advantageous strait and stopped the advance of the Persian army. The policy of emphasizing the navy also led to the subsequent development of Athens.
Although Themistocles was a victorious hero, it is said that he was later exiled and took refuge on the Persian side. He is a figure who simultaneously shows the glory and instability of police politics.
When we study Themistocles, we learn that the Persian wars were supported not only by military leadership, but also by finances, fleets, and citizen rowers. The expansion of Athenian democracy can also be understood in connection with naval policy.
