Themistocles

The Powerbroker of Athens

Jeffrey Smith

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English

Pen and Sword
01 April 2023

History; Military history

This is an exciting new biography of Themistocles of Athens, architect of the Greek victory over the Persian invasions of 490 BC and 480 to 479 BC. While his role in the Persian wars is naturally a major theme, Themistocles' career before and after those conflicts is also considered in detail. Themistocles 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, Themistocles 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.

AUTHOR: Jeffrey A. Smith has an undergraduate degree in religion, with a focus on the ancient world, from Dartmouth College (USA) and a master's degree in history from the University of Birmingham (UK). He has taught humanities and ancient history at The Stony Brook School, a boarding school on the North Shore of Long Island, for the past decade.

By: Jeffrey Smith
Imprint: Pen and Sword
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781399014595
ISBN 10: 1399014595
Pages: 312
Publication Date: 01 April 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

Jeffrey A. Smith has an undergraduate degree in religion, with a focus on the ancient world, from Dartmouth College (USA) and a master's degree in history from the University of Birmingham (UK). He has taught humanities and ancient history at The Stony Brook School, a boarding school on the North Shore of Long Island, for the past decade.

Reviews for Themistocles: The Powerbroker of Athens

[A] masterpiece of historical scholarship... -- Midwest Book Review Smith gives us a look at geopolitics and war making in the period and the complexities of Athenian and Greek society. A valuable read for anyone with an interest in the 'Golden Age' of Greece, or the arts of state craft and leadership. -- The NYMAS Review