From Athens to Morea: A Scholar compares Constantine Palaiologos to Themistocles

Left (possibly): Constantine Palaiologos in a wall painting. Right: Statue of Themistocles at the Hellenic Naval Academy in Piraeus.

The scholar John Doukianos (15th century), in an encomiastic oration for Constantine Palaiologos—who at that time was still Despot of the Morea—compares him to Themistocles (most likely in connection with Palaiologos’ campaign in Athens).

"That Themistocles, who built the wooden wall, raised the great trophy at Salamis, and saved the city of the Athenians from the barbarians—revealing goodwill and wisdom toward his fatherland, and ensuring that the barbarian returned home in disgrace;

In the same manner, most glorious of despots, not only once did you take care to drive the enemies into flight from this great city, but many times you have made it strong and prosperous, while rendering those foes cowardly and disordered."