Themistocles
Hero of Salamis Who Later Served the Persians
Themistocles (c. 524-459 BC) was the Athenian statesman and general whose strategic brilliance saved Greece from Persian conquest at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC.
He persuaded the Athenians to build a powerful navy using revenues from the Laurium silver mines, turning Athens into a maritime power capable of defeating Xerxes' massive fleet.
Yet in one of the most dramatic reversals in ancient history, political envy, accusations of treason, and ostracism drove him into exile. He eventually defected to the Persians, learned their language and customs, and served King Artaxerxes I (son of Xerxes) as governor of several cities in Asia Minor until his death.
This story comes primarily from Thucydides, Herodotus, and especially Plutarch's biography, illustrating how Athens could exile and vilify even its greatest benefactors.
Born into a relatively modest family (his father Neocles was not from the highest aristocracy, and his mother may have been non-Athenian), Themistocles rose through intelligence, charisma, and political maneuvering.
He participated in the Battle of Marathon (490 BC) and soon became a leading figure in Athenian politics.
His most important early decision was convincing the assembly to use the windfall profits from the silver mines at Laurium to build 200 triremes instead of distributing the money among citizens. This fleet became the backbone of Greek resistance against Persia.
At Salamis, he masterminded the strategy: deceiving Xerxes into fighting in the narrow straits where Persian numbers were a disadvantage, leading to a crushing Greek victory that saved the Greek world from subjugation.
After the triumph at Salamis, Themistocles grew arrogant — erecting statues of himself, clashing with rivals like Aristides and Cimon, and alienating many Athenians. Around 471 BC the citizens voted to ostracize him (a 10-year exile).
Soon afterward Sparta accused him of complicity in the treason of Pausanias (the Spartan regent who had indeed medized). Facing likely execution if he returned, Themistocles fled: first to Argos, then Corcyra, Epirus (protected by King Admetus), Macedonia (under Alexander I), and finally across to Persian-controlled Asia Minor.
The Battle of Salamis
Themistocles boldly requested an audience with Artaxerxes I, the new Persian king and son of Xerxes. He offered his loyalty and services, presenting himself as a valuable asset against the Greeks.
Artaxerxes, delighted to receive such a famous enemy, granted him one year to learn the Persian language and court customs.
Impressed by his quick progress, the king appointed him governor of Magnesia on the Maeander in Ionia, with additional revenues from the cities of Lampsacus (famous for wine) and Myus (fish and meat). He occasionally advised the king on Greek affairs but lived relatively quietly in Asia Minor.
Themistocles stands before King Artaxerxes
Themistocles died in Magnesia around 459 BC, at approximately 65 years of age. Thucydides and most ancient authorities report natural causes.
A later, more dramatic tradition (found in some sources) claims he committed suicide by drinking bull's blood when ordered to lead Persian forces against the Greeks — preferring an honorable death rather than betray either side.
His privileges and revenues passed to his descendants. Plutarch reports meeting one of them in Athens in the 1st century AD — still receiving income from Asia Minor some 600 years later.
After his death his bones were secretly returned to Attica and buried (traitors could not be interred in Athenian soil). Over time Athens rehabilitated his memory, remembering him as the savior of Greece rather than a traitor.
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