Anabasis

Description

Anabasis was composed and written in seven books by the famed writer and professional Ancient Greek soldier, Xenophon (ca. 430 BC – 354 BC), around the year 370 BC. This startlingly clear and powerful example of genuine Ancient Greek non-fictional writing contains a detailed account of the March of the Ten Thousand – the Persian expedition that Xenophon took part of and was even forced to lead when the time came to return to the coast from the gates of Babylon.

The text speaks of an army of ten thousand Greek soldiers and mercenaries who, together with Xenophon himself, were hired by Cyrus the Younger – a Persian prince and general – to enforce his victory at Cunaxa, in Babylon, and provide him with the opportunity to take the Persian throne from his brother, Artaxerxes II. Although Cyrus and his mixed army managed to win the battle in 401 BC, the prince himself died in the altercation, and his army was forced to return to the shore through the treacherous terrain, constantly faced by attacks throughout their journey in the hostile land.

Xenophon had the task of guiding the army back, and he later documented the entire journey, as well as its inception and the perilous venture home. After the journey was completed, Xenophon went on to have a successful life, being hired by the Spartan king, Agesilaus, and joining his cause to aid the Spartans against the Persian king.

Anabasis is a factual and surprisingly well-written historical account that is presented in an eloquent and organized fashion by its author. Xenophon divides the work into seven distinct books, each featuring 5-10 chapters. Whether you are interested in enjoying a thrilling tale about battles, generals and royalty, or you just want the factual, historic information that Xenophon so sharply emphasizes throughout his book, you will find Anabasis to be one of the most satisfying books on ancient history written as a complete eye-witness account.
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