More than anything, Themistocles' ostracism was a sign of changing times. The new rising star of Athenian politics was Cimon, whose father, Militiades, had led the Greeks at Marathon. Unlike Themistocles, Cimon was a friend to the Spartans and his policies were designed to deepen the bond between the two city-states.

Wandering for six years Themistocles made a brief appearance at the Olympics, drawing attention away from the athletes and receiving widespread acclaim. After that he became implicated in a plot to aid Persia. Although there appears to be no evidence against him, both Sparta and Athens were determined to pursue him, eventually forcing him to flee to the very power whose defeat had been his life's greatest achievement.

Themistocles died in Persia around 460 BC, according to some accounts by committing suicide after refusing to help the Persian king attack Greece once more. The Athenians refused to have him buried at home.