thumb|A Roman-era bust of Themistocles in "Severe style", based on a Greek original, in the Museo Archeologico Ostiense, Ostia, Rome, Italy. The lost original of this bust, dated to , has been described as "the first true portrait of an individual European". In 481 BC a congress of Greek city-states was held, during which 30 or so states agreed to ally themselves against the forthcoming invasion.Herodotus VII, 145 The Spartans and Athenians were foremost in this alliance, being sworn enemies of the Persians.Herodotus VII, 161 The Spartans claimed the command of land forces, and since the Greek (hereafter referred to as "Allied") fleet would be dominated by Athens, Themistocles tried to claim command of the naval forces. However, the other naval powers, including Corinth and Aegina, refused to give command to the Athenians, and Themistocles pragmatically backed down.Holland, p. 226 Instead, as a compromise, the Spartans (an insignificant naval power), in the person of Eurybiades, were to command the naval forces.Holland, p. 258 Herodotus is clear, however, that Themistocles commanded the fleet in all but name.
thumb|A Roman-era bust of Themistocles in "Severe style", based on a Greek original, in the Museo Archeologico Ostiense, Ostia, Rome, Italy. The lost original of this bust, dated to , has been described as "the first true portrait of an individual European". In 481 BC a congress of Greek city-states was held, during which 30 or so states agreed to ally themselves against the forthcoming invasion.Herodotus VII, 145 The Spartans and Athenians were foremost in this alliance, being sworn enemies of the Persians.Herodotus VII, 161 The Spartans claimed the command of land forces and since the Greek (hereafter referred to as "Allied") fleet would be dominated by Athens, Themistocles tried to claim command of the naval forces. However, the other naval powers, including Corinth and Aegina, refused to give command to the Athenians, and Themistocles pragmatically backed down.Holland, p. 226 Inst,ead, as a compromise, the Spartans (an insignificant naval power), in the person of Eurybiades, were to command the naval forces.Holland, p. 258 Herodotus is clear, however, that Themistocles commanded the fleet in all but name.