Themistocles
Students met Themistocles in Herodotus - he was the clever general who tricked Xerxes at Salamis and saved Greece. Now they learn what happened afterwards. Plutarch shows his lowly birth (his mother was a foreigner), his restless ambition from childhood, and the famous story that "the trophy of Miltiades would not let him sleep." After saving Greece, his arrogance made him enemies. He was ostracized - exiled by his own people. He fled to the Persian Empire, to the very enemy he had defeated. The Great King of Persia gave him cities to rule. He died in Persia, perhaps by his own hand to avoid leading a Persian army against Greece.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Notes Themistocles' humble origins: his mother was a foreigner, he was considered base-born
Cause & Consequence
Explains what drove Themistocles: ambition, desire for glory, rivalry with others
Meaning
Connects to Herodotus' Salamis - seeing the "rest of the story"
Evidence
Cites a specific passage or phrase from the text
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
How It Works
Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.
- 1.Read the text carefully
- 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
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