Themistokles was the most significant leader in Athens during the 480/479 Persian invasion, as he was the main contributor to Greek victory. Despite the Greek success at Marathon, he prepared Athens for future threats from Persia. Thucydides says that the Athenians built triremes "at the persuasion of Themistokles" to meet the possible threat of Darius and these were used to defeat the Persians at sea. Themistokles "turned them,[Athenians] to use Plato's phrase, from steadfast hoplites …
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…that Themistokles calculated the attack against the Persians, by choosing the time when the breeze made it difficult for the Persians to manoeuvre in the narrow straits, allowing the Greeks to ram their ships. The Greeks won due to the preparation, intelligence and determination of Themistokles. Simonides says, "And they owed it to the courage and determination of all those who fought their ships, but not least to the surpassing skill and judgement of Themistokles."