Athens vs Persia: The Legend of Themistocles

About this episode

This episode explores the life of Themistocles, his rise in Athenian democracy, and his eventual fall into exile and service of Persia.

A legend of the great Greek city of Athens, Themistocles rose from obscurity to save ancient Greece and helped shape one of the greatest naval powers in history. Yet his story ends in exile, condemned as a traitor and serving the very empire he once defeated: Persia. In this episode of The Ancients , Tristan Hughes is joined by Michael Scott to explore the extraordinary life of Themistocles. Together Tristan and Michael delve into the political intrigue of early Athenian democracy, charting Themistocles’ dramatic rise and equally dramatic fall. How did he persuade Athens to invest in its fleet and defeat Persia's great navy? Why did his career end in disgrace? And how did this architect of Greek victory ultimately find himself in the service of the Persian Empire, the very enemy he swore to destroy? MORE How to Party Like an Ancient Greek: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify The Persian Wars: Xerxes, Thermopylae and Salamis: Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds The Ancients is a History Hit podcast. Sign up to History…

People in this episode

Host: Tristan Hughes

Guest: Michael Scott

Topics covered

• Themistocles
• Athenian democracy
• Persian Wars
• naval power
• political intrigue

Keywords

• Themistocles
• Athens
• Persia
• naval power
• Athenian democracy
• exile
• Persian Wars

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: History Hit

Books & works: How to Party Like an Ancient Greek, The Persian Wars: Xerxes, Thermopylae and Salamis

Places: Athens, Persia

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