Eurybiades-Admiral
Eurybiades was a Spartan admiral. He was the son of Eurycleidus and lived in the 5th century BC. Although he did not come from a royal family, Sparta assigned him the leadership of its fleet during the Persian invasion in 480 BC. Although the Spartan fleet had only ten triremes at Artemisium and 16 at Salamis, Eurybiades held the position of admiral of all Greek naval forces and commanded the fleet together with Themistocles.
Eurybiades was reacting to Themistocles' choice to have the Greek ships collide in the Straits of Salamis, believing that they should have fought in the Isthmus of Corinth so that there would be a possibility of escape in case of defeat. Well-known is the episode with Themistocles before the naval battle of Salamis, during the war council of the Greeks. Angry at the decision of the Athenian general, Eurybiades raised his hand to strike him. Then Themistocles told him the well-known phrase: "Hit me, but hear me first". Today, this phrase has become proverbial and is used to express a fair and reasonable request.
After his brief moment of glory, the Spartans honoured Eurybiades with the excellence of bravery, while Themistocles only received the prize of wisdom and skill. Eurybiades then disappeared from history. Herodotus describes him as a diligent leader who showed due respect to all involved, including the Athenians.