Themistocles, << thuh MIHS tuh `kleez` >> (514?-449? B.C.), was an Athenian statesman and soldier in the Persian wars. He saved Greece by his statesmanship and laid the base for Athens’ greatness with his naval policy.
Little is known of Themistocles’ early life. He began his political career in 490 B.C. after the Battle of Marathon and the retreat of the Persians. He opposed Aristides, who was then the leader of Athens. About 483 B.C., Themistocles defeated Aristides in a dispute over what was to be done with the silver from the mines at Laurium. Themistocles had always favored naval expansion and proposed that Athens use the silver to increase its fleet. Aristides was banished for opposing this plan, and Themistocles became the political leader of Athens.
Themistocles was certain that the Persians would attack again, but that this time the battle would be decided on the sea. Two years later, the Persians returned. In a battle at Thermopylae, they overwhelmed a Greek army led by Spartans under Leonidas. Themistocles then moved the Athenians to Salamis, where he engaged the Persians in battle. He destroyed the Persian fleet and forced the Persians to leave Athens. The following year, the allied Greeks completely defeated the Persians at Plataea.
Themistocles was ambitious and enjoyed taking chances. But many Athenians thought he was arrogant. Eventually, they became convinced that he was involved in disloyal dealings with foreign states. His political enemies persuaded the people of Athens to exile him around 471 B.C. Themistocles spent his last years in Persia, where the Persian king awarded him an estate.
