# Themistocles

> Athenian politician and general (c. 524–459 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q179552](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q179552)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themistocles)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/themistocles

## Summary
Themistocles was an Athenian politician and general who lived from approximately 524 to 459 BC. He is most famous for his strategic leadership during the Greco-Persian Wars, particularly for defending Athens against the Persian invasion with the construction of the Walls of Themistocles.

## Biography
- Born: c. 524 BC
- Nationality: Athenian
- Known for: Leading Athens' defense against Persia and constructing the Walls of Themistocles
- Employer(s): Classical Athens
- Field(s): Politics, military strategy

## Contributions
Themistocles is credited with designing and overseeing the construction of the Walls of Themistocles in Athens, a defensive structure built during the Greco-Persian Wars to protect the city from Persian forces. His strategic decisions during this period were critical in Athens' resistance against the Achaemenid Empire.

## FAQs
**What was Themistocles' most significant achievement?**
Themistocles is best known for his role in defending Athens during the Greco-Persian Wars, particularly through the construction of the Walls of Themistocles, which helped repel Persian invasions.

**Where did Themistocles work?**
Themistocles was associated with Classical Athens, where he served as a politician and general.

**What conflicts was Themistocles involved in?**
Themistocles played a key role in the Greco-Persian Wars, particularly in Athens' defense against the Achaemenid Empire.

## Why They Matter
Themistocles' strategic leadership during the Greco-Persian Wars was instrumental in Athens' survival against Persian attacks. The Walls of Themistocles, which he oversaw, became a symbol of Athenian resilience and military innovation. His decisions helped secure Athens' independence and influenced future military strategies in ancient Greece.

## Notable For
- Designed and supervised the construction of the Walls of Themistocles in Athens (5th century BCE).
- Led Athens' defense against the Achaemenid Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars.
- A key figure in Classical Athens' political and military history.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Themistocles was born around 524 BC and was a native of Classical Athens. Little is known about his early life, but he later became a prominent figure in Athenian politics and military leadership.

### Political and Military Career
Themistocles served as a politician and general in Classical Athens. His most notable contribution was his role in defending the city against the Achaemenid Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars. He is credited with overseeing the construction of the Walls of Themistocles, a defensive structure that played a crucial role in Athens' resistance.

### Legacy
Themistocles' strategic decisions during the Greco-Persian Wars had a lasting impact on Athens' survival and independence. The Walls of Themistocles, which he helped design and build, remain a significant historical landmark. His leadership in military strategy and political defense influenced future generations of Athenian leaders.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/10/11/reviews/981011.11griffit.html)
2. [Source](http://earlyworldhistory.blogspot.com/2012/01/themistocles.html)
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [Source](https://kulturenvanteri.com/yer/?p=167734)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. BnF authorities
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. CERL Thesaurus
10. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
11. Enciclopedia Treccani
12. Dizionario di Storia
13. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands