The First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis (eBook)

Xenophon (c. 430 – 354 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher, historian, soldier, and a student of Socrates. As a historian, he is recognized for his writings on the history of his own times, the sayings of Socrates, and the life in ancient Greece. One of his most renowned works, 'The Anabasis,' also known as 'The Persian Expedition,' catalogs the tale of the Ten Thousand, a large army of Greek mercenaries involved in Cyrus the Younger's expedition against his brother, King Artaxerxes II of Persia. 'The First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis' are particularly telling of the critical phase of the journey, spotlighting the leadership qualities of Xenophon himself, who became one of the primary leaders during the campaign after the death of the mercenary leaders. His works are often seen as informative, detailed, and practical in terms of military and hunting techniques, providing valuable insight into Greek life. Xenophon's literary style is straightforward and accessible; he preferred clear narrative and practicality over the eloquent style of his contemporaries. This made his works immensely popular in the ancient world and essential reading for understanding classical Greece later on. Today, his works are still regarded for their historical value as well as their contribution to military literature and leadership studies.