Themistocles (;
Themistoklẽs; "Glory of the Law"; c. 524–459 BC) was an
Athenian politician and general. He was one of a new breed of non-aristocratic politicians who rose to prominence in the early years of the
Athenian democracy. As a politician, Themistocles was a populist, having the support of lower class Athenians, and generally being at odds with the Athenian nobility. Elected
archon in 493 BC, he convinced the
polis to increase the naval power of Athens, a recurring theme in his political career. During the
first Persian invasion of Greece, he fought at the
Battle of Marathon, and was possibly one of the ten Athenian
strategoi (generals) in that battle.