Themistocles remained one of the most powerful politicians in Athens for the next decade, though little mention is made of him in the surviving records.

He does not seem to have played a major role in the formation of the Delian League, the great naval alliance that would ensure the city's future greatness. Nor does he seem to have occupied any of the major elected posts of the city, though the very nature of the popular assembly meant citizens could enjoy considerable power without formal office. That was its purpose: everyone had a voice.

Themistocles must still, though, have enjoyed considerable power because otherwise he would never have become a target for what happened to him next. As Athens reaped the benefits of peace, her populace began to tire of their demanding war hero and his scathing criticism of the new order:

'They treat me like a spreading plain tree, to which they run for shelter under in a storm, but which, when the weather is fair, they tear and pluck at as they walk by.'

In retaliation the assembly ostracised Themistocles in the year 470 or 471 BC. He would never return.