Themistocles was the Athenian general who commanded the navy at the Battle of Salamis, where his strategic insight led to a critical victory against the Persian fleet in 480 BCE.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Greek General Who Commanded the Navy at Salamis
The Athenian general who commanded the navy at the Battle of Salamis was none other than Themistocles. Recognizing the imminent threat from Persia, Themistocles persuaded Athens to funnel the revenue from a newly discovered silver mine into building a formidable navy, comprised of triremes. This strategic investment paid off during the Greco-Persian Wars, particularly at the naval battle in 480 BCE, where Themistocles used his wits and naval prowess to outsmart the larger Persian fleet, leading to a decisive victory for the Greeks. The importance of Themistocles's victory at Salamis cannot be understated; it was pivotal in preventing Persian domination over the Greek city-states and altering the course of Western civilization.
After their defeat at Salamis, the Persians were forced to draw back, largely due to logistical challenges in supplying their forces without naval supremacy. Themistocles's foresight and leadership not only secured Athenian naval dominance but also set the stage for the eventual decline of Persian influence in the region, ushering in the golden age of Athens.