were there themistocles at marathon

What did Themistocles do for the Athenians?

A wily cultivator of the common people, Themistocles was a populist, often finding himself at odds with Athenian nobility. Known for his overweening ambition, Themistocles fought at the Battle of Marathon (490 BC) during the first Persian invasion of Greece.

What happened at the Battle of Marathon?

Western democracy, culture and philosophy were on the line when the Greeks faced the Persians at Marathon. On the morning of September 17, 490 bc, some 10,000 Greeks stood assembled on the plain of Marathon, preparing to fight to the last man. Behind them lay everything they held dear: their city, their homes, their families.

How did Themistocles defeat the Persian navy?

But Themistocles understood that the only way to defeat the Persian navy was to use their vast numbers against them. The straits and narrow passages at Salamis would force the Persian navy to thin their numbers in order to pass through the waters. From this vantage point, the Greek allied fleet could inflict serious damages on the Persians.

Why did the Persians not use cavalry in the Battle of Marathon?

Familiar with the tactics and strengths of their enemy, the Greeks knew the Persian cavalry had to be taken out of the calculations. The Persians could not use the cavalry on one side because of the marshland. Nor could they use it on the opposite flank, as the Athenians had buried large stakes in the ground.

Who fought at the Battle of Marathon?

Battle of Marathon, (September 490 bce), in the Greco-Persian Wars, decisive battle fought on the Marathon plain of northeastern Attica in which the Athenians, in a single afternoon, repulsed the first Persian invasion of Greece.

What role did Themistocles play during the?

Themistocles, (born c. 524 bce—died c. 460), Athenian politician and naval strategist who was the creator of Athenian sea power and the chief saviour of Greece from subjection to the Persian empire at the Battle of Salamis in 480 bce.

What battles did Themistocles lead?

The Battle of Salamis (/ˈsæləmɪs/ SAL-ə-miss) was a naval battle fought between an alliance of Greek city-states under Themistocles and the Persian Empire under King Xerxes in 480 BC. It resulted in a decisive victory for the outnumbered Greeks.

Who led the Greeks in the Battle of Marathon?

general MiltiadesThe battle was fought on the Marathon plain of northeastern Attica and marked the first blows of the Greco-Persian War. With the Persians closing in on the Greek capitol, Athenian general Miltiades took command of the hastily assembled army.

Did Themistocles fight in the Battle of Marathon?

During the first Persian invasion of Greece he fought at the Battle of Marathon (490 BC) and was possibly one of the ten Athenian strategoi (generals) in that battle. In the years after Marathon, and in the run-up to the second Persian invasion of 480–479 BC, Themistocles became the most prominent politician in Athens.

Who betrayed the Spartans?

EphialtesIn the 1962 film The 300 Spartans, Ephialtes was portrayed by Kieron Moore and is depicted as a loner who worked on a goat farm near Thermopylae. He betrays the Spartans to the Persians out of greed for riches, and, it is implied, unrequited love for a Spartan girl named Ellas.

Was Themistocles a tyrant?

By this time, Themistocles was the most powerful man in Athens. While he was no tyrant, he used his connections, his oratory skills, and the Athenian process of ostracism to dominate the political scene. Thus, when the leading cities of Greece discussed the coming war, Themistocles spoke for Athens.

Was Themistocles a good leader?

Themistocles (ca. 528-462 B.C.), an Athenian political leader, was a brilliant commander and statesman who defeated Persia at sea and made Athens a great power. Themistocles was the son of a middle-class Athenian father and a non-Athenian mother. Ability alone made him influential.

Why was Themistocles a hero?

He is remembered as a people's leader, challenging the elite powers and opening the democracy to the commoners. His greatest legacy came through the military. In response to the threat of Persian invasion, Themistocles orchestrated the building of the first truly massive navy in Athenian history.

Why did the Spartans not fight at Marathon?

The Spartans were not at Marathon… Although the Spartans promised to send military aid to the Athenians, their laws stated they could only do so after the full moon had passed. Their aid thus arrived too late to help the Athenian army.

Why did the Greeks win at Marathon?

Among the tangible reasons for the Athenian victory was their commanders' high-quality, especially Miltiades, who knew the capabilities and limitations of their force and what they could expect from the Persians.

How did the battle of Marathon end?

The battle ended when the Persian centre then broke in panic towards their ships, pursued by the Greeks. Some, unaware of the local terrain, ran towards the swamps where unknown numbers drowned. The Athenians pursued the Persians back to their ships, and managed to capture seven ships, though most were able to launch.

What did Themistocles impact?

He is remembered as a people's leader, challenging the elite powers and opening the democracy to the commoners. His greatest legacy came through the military. In response to the threat of Persian invasion, Themistocles orchestrated the building of the first truly massive navy in Athenian history.

How did Themistocles impact the world?

But his biggest impact on history was his fateful advocacy early in his career for Athens to build a first-rate navy. Themistocles should be recognized as one of the earliest naval theorists because he successfully promulgated a sea-view of the world and brought Athens onto the sea.

What is Themistocles influence on the events surrounding the Battle of Salamis?

Themistocles not only convinced Greek military leaders to follow his plan, he also convinced the entire population of Athens to sacrifice their own city for the strategy. Lastly, he convinced other Greek admirals who had no interest in fighting for the ruins of Athens to confront the Persian fleet at Salamis.

How did Themistocles trick Xerxes?

Themistocles deceived the Persians by offering them what they wanted to hear. But he could not have pulled off the scheme without first learning the Persian way of war – and that required gathering and analyzing human intelligence.

What happened to Themistocles after the war?

However, he aroused the hostility of Sparta by ordering the re-fortification of Athens, and his perceived arrogance began to alienate him from the Athenians. In 472 or 471 BC, he was ostracised, and went into exile in Argos.

How did Themistocles die?

However, perhaps inevitably, there were also rumours surrounding his death, saying that unwilling to follow the Great King's order to make war on Athens, he committed suicide by taking poison, or drinking bull's blood. Plutarch provides the most evocative version of this story:

What battle did Themistocles fight?

During the first Persian invasion of Greece he fought at the Battle of Marathon (490 BC) and was possibly one of the ten Athenian strategoi (generals) in that battle. In the years after Marathon, and in the run-up to the second Persian invasion of 480–479 BC, Themistocles became the most prominent politician in Athens.

What was the Battle of Marathon?

Battle of Marathon (490 BC) Second Persian invasion of Greece. Battle of Artemisium (480 BC) Battle of Salamis (480 BC) Themistocles ( / θəˈmɪstəkliːz /; Greek: Θεμιστοκλῆς [tʰemistoklɛ̂ːs]; "Glory of the Law"; c. 524–459 BC) was an Athenian politician and general. He was one of a new breed of non-aristocratic politicians who rose ...

Where was Themistocles born?

Themistocles was born in the Attic deme of Phrearrhioi around 524 BC, the son of Neocles, who was, in the words of Plutarch "no very conspicuous man". His mother is more obscure; according to Plutarch, she was either a Thracian woman called Abrotonon, or Euterpe, a Carian from Halicarnassus.

When did Themistocles become Archon?

Themistocles probably turned 30 in 494 BC, which qualified him to become an archon, the highest of the magistracies in Athens. On the back of his popularity, he evidently decided to run for this office and was elected Archon Eponymous, the highest government office in the following year (493 BC).

Was Themistocles a populist?

As a politician, Themistocles was a populist, having the support of lower-class Athenians, and generally being at odds with the Athenian nobility.

Where is Themistocles buried?

Historian Paul Wallace, from Dartmouth College, says that the writer A. W. Gomme suggested that the name of Themistocles was first associated with a promontory, leading to that place being thought of as the location of his tomb.

Was Themistocles reburied?

It is possible that he was buried in Magnesia, but he was rehabilitated by the Athenian political elite.

What was Themistocles's foresight?

Lenardon makes mention of this: “Most of the Athenians believed that the defeat of the Persians at Marathon meant the end of the war; but Themistocles realized it was only the beginning of greater struggles.”19 Themistocles understood that after the death of Darius, Xerxes would seek vengeance, and it would come swifter and stronger than the last battle at Marathon. Themistocles had his fleet, and the construction of the Piraeus port was nearing completion. Now, he would test the resolve and courage of his fellow allies in battle at Salamis.

What did Themistocles think was prudent to move Athens’ main port from Phalerum?

Map depicting Piraeus fortifications. Themistocles thought it prudent to move Athen’s main port from Phalerum to Piraeus. This shift would allow Athens three natural harbors, all effectively sheltered from storm and invader. (Creative Commons)

Why did Themistocles build the Piraeus port?

However, there is no reason not to suggest that Themistocles initiated the building of the Piraeus while he was archon. Having desired to build up the naval prestige of Athens as soon as he could, he very well could have looked to the promising port during his early days in office. The National Hellenic Research Foundation appears to solidify this belief: “Thus, within only one year, Athens and the northern part of Acropolis received new fortifications, which incorporated the older building’s pieces and offerings, even tombstones, while beginning the completion of the fortification of the Piraeus port, already launched by Themistocles himself as the 493 BC ruler.”18 The building of the Piraeus port allowed the Athenians a superior advantage in their conquest to become masters of the sea. By encouraging the Athenians to move their current harbor to a more secure one, Themistocles once again proved his intellect in understanding the multiple facets of naval power. He had built up a strong fleet through the use of increased revenue from the state, and moved the focus of their sea power to a safer, more strategic area.

How did Themistocles defeat the Persian fleet?

But Themistocles understood that the only way to defeat the Persian navy was to use their vast numbers against them. The straits and narrow passages at Salamis would force the Persian navy to thin their numbers in order to pass through the waters. From this vantage point, the Greek allied fleet could inflict serious damages on the Persians. Knowing this, Themistocles sent a messenger in secret to the Persian commanders. Herodotus narrates the story, writing that the messenger, acting as a defector, informed the Persian commanders that the Greek fleet was in disarray and unsure of themselves. Encouraging the Persians that now was the time to strike, he “made a quick departure” from the Persian navy.21

What did Themistocles do as a child?

While all the other kids would play and laugh, he would study and write, spending countless hours practicing speeches in his home. His parents were of no special heritage, and royalty did not flow through his blood. In its place, determination coursed through his veins. Themistocles, an Athenian, knew he was meant for something great. History would show that Themistocles, when he became archon, encouraged a naval policy in Athens, and helped drive off the Persian Empire and secure a place of strength and resolve for Athens in the world . Ancient scholars and historians, like that of Plutarch and Herodotus, have documented his life, allowing a glimpse into the magnificence of his achievements. Modern day scholars have shed even more light, suggesting that it was Themistocles himself who saved the future of western civilization. Themistocles, the commander of the Athenian fleet, should be bestowed the title of the Father of Naval Warfare due to his understanding of the Persian Empire, the importance of naval supremacy, and his involvement in the political process.

What happened in 499 B.C.?

In the year of 499 B.C., the Hellenes of Asia Minor realized they had experienced enough. The Ionians grew restless of the oppression of the Persian Empire, and decided to fight back. For over 30 years, the superpower of the world, Persia, had subjugated the Greek cities of Asia Minor under numerous tyrannies, forcing the Greeks to build the cities of Persia and further the dominion of their empire. Under the rule of King Darius, he “undertook a thorough and systematic political and financial reorganization of the Persian Empire.”2 With these sweeping changes now taking effect, Darius thought it a no better time than to expand the land and influence of the Persian Empire. Under his guidance, the Persians blazed their way through Europe, “campaigning successfully against the Thracians and even securing the allegiance of Macedonia.”3 While these accomplishments were impressive, the rising discontent of the Ionians against Persia grew. After failing to convince the Spartans to join their cause against Darius, the Ionians looked toward, as Herodotus says, “the next most powerful state” after Sparta, that of Athens.4

Why is Themistocles considered the father of naval warfare?

Themistocles, the commander of the Athenian fleet, should be bestowed the title of the Father of Naval Warfare due to his understanding of the Persian Empire, the importance of naval supremacy, and his involvement in the political process. If we are to understand the rise of Themistocles, then we must first understand the impacts ...

What did Themistocles do to the Spartans?

Next, he went to Sparta as an advance party and the delay in the arrival of the other members of the embassy, which was a contri­vance of Themistocles himself, was used in completing the wall to a defensive height. When Aristides came to Sparta and secretly gave out to Themistocles this intel­ligence, Themistocles confessed this to the Spartans. Safe return of Themistocles and others was also accom­plished by another stratagem. Themistocles had earlier induced the Spartans to send envoys to Athens to see for themselves that the Athenians were not building the wall. These envoys were used as hostages for the return of Themistocles and his company.

What did Themistocles think of the Athenian navy?

This made Themistocles’ think of expanding the Athenian navy. In 482 when a rich deposit of silver ore was discovered at Laurium and the Athenian government decided to distribute the proceeds to all citizens, Themistocles proposed that the newly dis­covered wealth should be used for the construction of ships and in a couple of years two hundred galleys had been put into commission.

Why did Sparta send envoys to dissuade Athens from raising the fort?

It was probably the scale of rebuilding that roused the jealousy and fears of the Peloponnesians. The fortifications, the ships and the terrible activity of the Athenians might well seem evidence of a dangerous ambition. Sparta therefore sent envoys to dissuade Athens from raising the fortifica­tions. It was Themistocles who dismissed the envoys with the reply that Athens would send an embassy to Sparta to discuss the issue.

What was the greatest sea state in Greece before Themistocles?

Before Themis­tocles Athens was a considerable naval power, but the navy was considered subordinate to the land-forces. But it was the foresight of Themistocles that made Athens sacrifice army to the navy and make Athens the greatest sea-state in Greece. This bold policy had to be carried out by Themistocles in the face of opposition.

Why did Artemis build a shrine?

His building of a shrine near his house for “Artemis wisest in Council was a memorial to the wise counsels he had given to his country.” Such little this made him unpopular and gave a handle to his oppo­nents against him. Appeal was made to ostracism and the popular verdict was against Themistocles and he was exiled. In Argos where he took his abode in exile he unleashed a severe anti-Athenian propaganda in Peloponnesus.

Did Themistocles have a command?

Earlier, Themistocles had taken part in the battle of Marathon, and although he held no post of com­mand, was destined to hold a higher place in the Athenian history than any of his fellow warriors.

Did Themistocles compass his own advantage?

Bury remarks; “It may well have been, however, that Themistocles, who was an able and far-sighted statesman, merely intended to compass his own advantage at the expense of the Great King and had no serious thought of carrying out any designs against Greece.” He won honour at Persia and was appointed governor of Magnesia where he died and buried out the wall of the city. Many years afterwards there was a false story current in Athens according to which Themistocles committed suicide at Magnesia.

What did Themistocles do to the Athenians?

One hope remained. Themistocles had persuaded the Athenians to evacuate women and children to the Peloponnese and, in the last resort, to retire to Salamis. If the Persians attacked that island citadel, a battle in the narrow sound might yet give a chance to the Greeks, with their armoured marines and heavier ships, against the better sailing ships commanded by the Persians. Persuading the Peloponnesians to join the Athenian fleet, Themistocles then lured Xerxes by a false message, suggesting that he himself was ready to change sides, into ordering an all-out attack. The Greeks enveloped the head of the Phoenician column as it emerged from the narrowest part of the strait and destroyed it, and, though most of the other Asian contingents in the rear escaped, Xerxes had lost for good the command of the sea.

Why is Themistocles a slick politician?

Admittedly a master strategist, he is often depicted as a slick politician, bent on enriching himself even in the crisis of the great war. The reason for this bias is perhaps that he was a strong democrat, hated by the Athenian upper classes, and their views, passed on to their friend the historian Herodotus and to Plato, himself an aristocrat, colour the whole tradition. Herodotus introduces him only at the onset of the crisis as “newly come to the front” (which is incorrect) and drops him from his story at the end of 480. Only the historian Thucydides does him justice and calls the darkest charges against him “alleged.”

How many triremes did Athens have?

Thus, when Xerxes I, the Persian king, marched in 480, Athens had 200 triremes, though many of the rowers were still untrained.

What was the 480s?

The 480s were a period of intense political struggle. Miltiades died in disgrace (489), and from 487 to 483 other leaders were successively ostracized. Though never himself defeated, Themistocles must have been attacked repeatedly; he was the man accused by his enemies of being a danger to the established order.

What was the purpose of the combined fleet?

The combined fleet was to fight not on their own doorstep, as Greeks preferred to do, but as far forward as possible, exploiting the geographical situation. Serving under a Spartan admiral (since Corinth and Aegina would not serve under an Athenian), Themistocles conducted the main fleet to the straits north of Euboea.

What was the only hope for Persia?

The only hope was to exploit the invader’s supply difficulties, which would be great if Persia’s naval allies, including the formidable Phoenicians, could be beaten at sea. To carry out this strategy, however, Greece needed far more warships—the newly developed specialized triremes —than it then had.

Where did Themistocles insisted the Greeks should be stationed?

…the narrows of Salamis, where Themistocles had insisted the Greeks should be stationed, and they were comprehensively defeated under the appalled eyes of Xerxes himself. This defeat is a “David and Goliath” encounter only in the general sense that the Persian empire was vastly greater, in size and resources, than…

Who persuaded the Athenians to spend the money on increasing their fleet of triremes to 200?

Themistocles is credited with persuading the Athenians to spend the money on increasing their fleet of triremes to 200 rather than sharing it out among themselves

What would happen if the fleet left Salamis?

If fleet left Salamis, it would break up and be vulnerable to being picked off piece-meal and narrow straits of Salamis behind would neutralise Persians' numerical advantage

Did Miltiades fight at Marathon?

Despite having fought at Marathon and having supported Miltiades' successful plan of attack there

Overview

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