Themistocles: Early Life/career Flashcards
Who was Themistocles parents and where were they from?
father: Neokles
from Athens, the deme of Phrearrus
mother: Euterpe (or Abrotonon)
from Caria, from Halicarnassus (or Thrace)
Tribe Themistocles was from?
Leontis
What was Themistocles family name?
Lycomidae
Who was NOT Themistocles teacher?
Anaxagoras
Who does Plutarch think was his teacher?
Mnesiphilus
Do Podlecki and Lenardon agree? What are their views?
Podlecki: disagree, believes it was Themistocles own merit and natural ability
Lenardon: agrees to an extent, that Mnesiphilus was a “politically active influence” on him, no his tutor
What was Themistocles education like? was it a ‘traditional’ aristocratic one?
His education not ‘traditionally aristocratic’ as he was a Metic from a mixed background, not aristocracy. He did not dwell in any form of liberal arts (music, sport) or “to form character”
It focused on politics, literature and other practical subjects. Very important for his future career.
When did Themistocles hold Archonship and which one?
Held in 493/2
was the eponymous archon (main)
What projects did he begin during this archonship?
the fortification (plans) of the Piraeus
What was Themistocles role in Battle of Marathon and what was it?
He was most likely fighting in the Battle of Marathon but was not of any generalship, could’ve been hoplite, archer, cavalry or NORMAL fighter
What were the political reform and his role in it?
Political reform was created to randomise the role for archon by lot, from the boule
most likely had some role in this reform
Who did Themistocles ostracise and when?
Xanthippus: father of Pericles
Ostracised in 484 BC
Aristides: main political rival
Ostracised in 482 BC
What was the consequence of these ostracisms?
Themistocles became the main and most influential political figure of Athens, using ostracism to rid his rivals.
Was the pinnacle of Themistocles rise to prominence
