Themistocles (c. 524 - c. 460 BCE) was an Athenian statesman and general (strategos) whose emphasis on naval power and military skills were instrumental during the Persian wars, victory in which ensured that Greece survived its greatest ever threat. As the historian Thucydides stated in his History of the Peloponnesian War, 'Themistocles was a man who exhibited the most indubitable signs of genius; indeed, in this particular he has a claim on our admiration quite extraordinary and unparalleled.' (1.138.3). A brilliant strategist and canny politician he was perhaps a little too thirsty for glory and power for his own good but Themistocles was, without doubt, one of the most important and colourful figures of Classical Athens.
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Timeline
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c. 524 BCE - c. 460 BCELife of Athenian general and statesman Themistocles.
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493 BCEThemistocles is made archon in Athens.
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11 Sep 490 BCEA combined force of Greek hoplites defeat the Persians at Marathon.
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c. 483 BCEThemistocles persuades the Athenians to significantly expand their fleet, which saves them at Salamis and becomes their source of power.
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480 BCEThe fortifications of Piraeus instigated by Themistocles are completed.
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Aug 480 BCEThe indecisive battle of Artemision between the Greek and Persian fleets of Xerxes I. The Greeks withdraw to Salamis.
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Aug 480 BCEBattle of Thermopylae. 300 Spartans under King Leonidas and other Greek allies hold back the Persians led by Xerxes I for three days but are defeated.
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Sep 480 BCEBattle of Salamis where the Greek naval fleet led by Themistocles defeats the invading armada of Xerxes I of Persia.
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479 BCEXerxes' Persian forces are defeated by Greek forces at Plataea effectively ending Persia's imperial ambitions in Greece.
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c. 471 BCEThe general and statesman Themistocles is voted in an ostracism and exiled from Athens.
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c. 460 BCEExiled Athenian statesman Themistocles dies in Magnesia of illness, poison or suicide.
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411 BCEThe Athenian general Themistocles builds fortifications on Kos.
