← Explore on the interactive map

Themistocles

Type Figure Region Athens Time c. -524–-459 Also known as Themistocles、Θεμιστοκλῆς

Themistocles was an Athenian statesman and naval strategist, born c. 524 BCE and died in 459 BCE.…

Timeline

  1. c. -524–-483Athens · AtticaBorn into a non-noble family, he rose through political talent. Using the revenues from the Laurion silver mines he pushed for the construction of two hundred triremes and expanded the Piraeus port, laying the foundation of Athenian sea power.
  2. -480–-479Salamis · Salamos IslandHe advocated abandoning Athens and fighting with the fleet, persuading Sparta and other allies to give battle in the strait of Salamis. With flexible tactics he dealt a heavy blow to the Persian fleet, becoming the key figure in the decisive victory of the Greco-Persian Wars.
  3. -471–-459Magnesia · IoniaAccused by political rivals, he was exiled from Athens, wandering through Argos and elsewhere, and finally sought refuge in Persia, where he was granted revenues from Magnesia and other places. He died in exile in 459 BCE, ending a tumultuous life.

Sources