The Complete Works of Xenophon (eBook)

Xenophon (c. 430 – 354 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher, historian, soldier, mercenary, and a contemporary of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, the sayings of Socrates, and the life of Greece. Xenophon's body of work provides a valuable eye-witness account to the social and military aspects of the Greek world in the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC. His best-known works include 'Anabasis,' which narrates the expedition of the Ten Thousand, a large Greek mercenary army that he led on behalf of a Persian prince against the Persian king; and 'Cyropaedia,' a historical romance on the education of the Persian king Cyrus the Great. He also produced 'Hellenica,' which is the primary source for events in Greece between 411 and 362 BC, and serves as a continuation of Thucydides's history. Xenophon's works are characterized by their clear and simple prose, as well as a practical approach to the matters he discusses. Through 'Memorabilia' and 'Oeconomicus,' he provides invaluable insights into the character and philosophy of his teacher, Socrates. As a literary figure, Xenophon is often seen as transitional between the heavily detailed style of Thucydides and the storytelling historical accounts that became popular in the Hellenistic period. His contribution to literature and philosophy, particularly in regards to his firsthand accounts of Socratic thought, military history, and daily life in ancient Greece, is a testament to his enduring significance in the classical canon (Xenophon, 'The Complete Works of Xenophon').