Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy.. 11 CD audiobook

Published in 2009.  3 minute tracks so easy stop start your listening bookmarks. Listened to once so CDs are mint. Exterior case with looseleaf CD holders also near new. 

A detailed account not only of how/why the Athenian Navy began after the Marathon victory over Darius but also the key players and strategists who drove the effort. Players like Themisticles  (and others to follow) succeeded to democratically win the day in the minds of commoners and nobles. Although there was ill will between city states like Athens and Peloponese, these peoples united to defeat the significantly larger Persian threat.

What's equally revealing is how some heroes were later ostracized and how once enemies became future partners.  The empire end - submission to Macedonia - also suggests how the will of the people has more to do with victory than resources and weaponry. 

Years covered are about 490bc to 320bc.