THEMISTOCLES: The Powerbroker of Athens

'Smith gives us a look at geopolitics and warmaking in the period and the complexities of Athenian and Greek society.' It is an exciting biography of the man who gave a famous speech to the Greeks on the day of the Battle of Salamis. Themistocles of Athens, architect of the great victory over the Persian invasions of 490BCE and 480 to 479BCE had a career before and after those conflicts which is here considered in detail. He was a leading exponent of a new kind of populist politics in the young democracy of Athens, manipulating the practice of ostracism (exile) to get rid of his political rivals. Jeffrey Smith explains Themistocles' rise to a position of virtual hegemony which allowed him to institute his far-sighted policy of preparation against the growing Persian threat. In particular he strengthened Athens' fleet and thereby secured the support of the poor thetes who found employment as rowers. During the first invasion he fought and possibly held joint command at the decisive battle of Marathon. When the Persians struck again in 480, he commanded the fleet at Artemisium and Salamis. The latter battle he won by subterfuge and secured Athens' liberation and survival. Ironically he was himself eventually ostracised by his fellow citizens and ultimately entered Persian service, ending his days as governor of Magnesia in Asia Minor. 284pp in large softback with fairly large print and eight pages of colour images.