Themistocles

Themistocles (c. 524-c. 459 BCE) was an Athenian statesman and general, not a literary author, who rose to prominence in the early democracy of Athens. He is best known for persuading Athens to build a strong navy and for his leadership at the naval Battle of Salamis (480 BCE), a decisive Greek victory over the Persian invasion. Later falling out of favor, he ended his life in exile in the Persian Empire.