Военная история / Themistocles: The Powerbroker of Athens

Название: Themistocles: The Powerbroker of Athens
Автор: Jeffrey A. Smith
Издательство: Pen & Sword
Год: 2021
Страниц: 322
Язык: English
Формат: True PDF
Размер: 10 MB

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.