The Architect of the Athenian Empire: Themistocles

The Savior. The Traitor. The Architect of Empire.

Before the Parthenon stood, and before democracy reigned supreme, there was Themistocles.

Born to a volatile, nascent democracy, he alone foresaw the true threat of the Persian behemoth. He defied the common people to demand silver be spent on two hundred triremes, creating the fleet that would become the engine of Athenian power. Then, at the Battle of Salamis, he orchestrated the most audacious strategic victory in antiquity, tricking the overwhelming forces of Xerxes into a trap that changed the course of Western history.

But his triumph created a rivalry that destroyed him. Condemned and exiled by the very city he saved, Themistocles completed the final, stunning act of his life: he became a wealthy governor in the service of the Persian King.

This is the definitive, comprehensive biography of the pragmatic genius who saved Greece, built its empire, and ultimately served its greatest enemy. Approx.176 pages, 32300 word count