Editing Themistocles (section)

=== Historical reputation ===
[[File:Kerameikos7 Athens.JPG|thumb|Ruins of the [[Themistoclean Wall]] in the [[Kerameikos]] of Athens, Greece, named after Themistocles]]
Themistocles died with his reputation in tatters, a traitor to the Athenian people; the "saviour of Greece" had turned into the enemy of liberty.<ref>Holland, p. 364</ref> However, his reputation in Athens was rehabilitated by [[Pericles]] in the 450s&nbsp;BC, and by the time Herodotus wrote his history, Themistocles was once again seen as a hero.<ref name = L169>Lazenby, p. 169</ref> Thucydides evidently held Themistocles in some esteem, and is uncharacteristically flattering in his praise for him (see above).<ref name = TI138 /> Diodorus also extensively praises Themistocles, going as far as to offer a rationale for the length at which he discusses him: "Now on the subject of the high merits of Themistocles, even if we have dwelt over-long on the subject in this digression, we believed it not seemly that we should leave his great ability unrecorded."<ref name = DSXI59>Diodorus [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0084;query=chapter%3D%23135;layout=;loc=11.58.1 XI, 58]</ref> Indeed, Diodorus, whose history includes [[Alexander the Great]] and [[Hannibal]], goes so far as to say that
<blockquote>But if any man, putting envy aside, will estimate closely not only the man's natural gifts but also his achievements, he will find that on both counts Themistocles holds first place among all of whom we have record. Therefore, one may well be amazed that the Athenians were willing to rid themselves of a man of such genius.<ref name = DSXI58 /> </blockquote> Plutarch offers a more nuanced view of Themistocles, with more of a critique of Themistocles's character. He does not detract from Themistocles's achievements, but also highlights his failings.<ref name = PT3 />
[[Napoleon]] compared himself to Themistocles after the Battle of Waterloo, in his surrender letter;
<blockquote>Royal Highness, – Exposed to the factions which divide my country, and to the enmity of the great Powers of Europe, I have terminated my political career; and I come, like Themistocles, to throw myself upon the hospitality ({{lang|fr|m'asseoir sur le foyer}}) of the British people. I claim from your Royal Highness the protections of the laws, and throw myself upon the most powerful, the most constant, and the most generous of my enemies.|Napoleon. (letter of surrender to the [[George IV of the United Kingdom|Prince Regent]]; translation).{{sfn|Booth|1815|p=57}}</blockquote>