Themistocles
Themistocles
Themistocleswas 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,...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionSoldier
strikes ifs
Strike, if you will, but listen.
greatness play cities
I never learned how to tune a harp, or play upon a lute; but I know how to raise a small and obscure city to glory and greatness...whereto all kindreds of the earth will pilgrim.
two hypnosis persuasion
I have with me two gods, Persuasion and Compulsion.
friends favors may
May I never sit on a tribunal where my friends shall not find more favor from me than strangers.
son wife greek
The Athenians govern the Greeks; I govern the Athenians; you, my wife, govern me; your son governs you.
cities littles arabia
I cannot fiddle, but I can make a great state from a little city.
men want rich
I choose the likely man in preference to the rich man; I want a man without money rather than money without a man.
military sea command
He who commands the sea has command of everything.