The Architect of the Athenian Empire

<p><strong>The Savior. The Traitor. The Architect of Empire.</strong></p><p>Before the Parthenon stood and before democracy reigned supreme there was Themistocles.</p><p>Born to a volatile nascent democracy he alone foresaw the true threat of the Persian behemoth. He defied the common people to demand silver be spent on <strong>two hundred triremes</strong> creating the fleet that would become the engine of Athenian power. Then at the <strong>Battle of Salamis</strong> he orchestrated the most audacious strategic victory in antiquity tricking the overwhelming forces of Xerxes into a trap that changed the course of Western history.</p><p>But his triumph created a rivalry that destroyed him. Condemned and exiled by the very city he saved Themistocles completed the final stunning act of his life: he became a wealthy governor in the service of the Persian King.</p><p>This is the definitive comprehensive biography of the pragmatic genius who saved Greece built its empire and ultimately served its greatest enemy. Approx.176 pages 32300 word count</p>