All you need to know about… Themistocles

Ah - a Greek. But who was he? Themistocles was an ancient Athenian politician and general. He was one of a new breed of elected officials, and went on to become one of the city’s most successful military leaders. Although his family had aristocratic roots, his ancestors are not known to have been politically inclined, and he gained office as a result of the democratic structure of Athenian politics. According to his biographer Plutarch, Themistocles was proud of the fact that, while he could play neither lyre nor harp, he had the talent required to build a great city. Born: c.524 BC Nationality: Greek Occupation: politician and general Key qualities: strategy, dipl