The Hostility of Herodotus

• It is important to note that Herodotus (a friend of the Alcmaeonidae, who were hostile towards Themistocles), was generally unfavourable to Themistocles, focusing on some of his most dubious ambitions during the war period. However, even he cannot hide Themistocles' greatness in his history.
• Other writers were more favourable: Plutarch says that he was held in great affection by the people, whilst Thucydides called him a man of "unmistakable natural genius"