Xenophon Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is Xenophon’s best known historical work?
The Anabasis (Upcountry March)
Give detail on Xenophon’s early life.
His life before 401BC is scantily recorded: after that time he left postwar Athens and travelled as a mercenary of Cyrus the Younger revolting against Artaxerxes II, his brother in Persoa.
What was the result of Cyrus the Younger’s rebellion against Artaxerxes II?
Cyrus was defeated at Cunaxa and the Greeks returned too Byzantium. Xenophon was one of the men chosen to replace the 5 generals siezed and executed by the Persians. The persistence of the Greeks in this incident showed the vulnerability of the Persians.
Where did Xenophon and the mercenaries find employment in the winter of 400-399 BC?
With the Thracian prince Seuthes and then they entered Spartan service for war to liberate Anatolian Greeks from Persian rule.
From 395-394 what was Xenophon up to?
He remained in Sparta, becoming closely involved with senior Spartans such as King Agesilaus II. When the Greek coalition including Athens revelled against Spartan hegemony, Xenophon fought for Sparta in 394 BC
Why was Xenophon exiled from Athens?
For fighting for Agesilaus II of Sparta against an Athenian led coalition
Why may Xenophon’s banishment have Ben revoked?
His son Gryllus fought and died for Athena at the battle of Matinea
When did Xenophon move back to Athens following his exile?
After the battle of Leuktra in 371BC and the end of Spartan hegemony, Xenophon moved back to Athens or Corinth where he died.
With which political view is Xenophon associated?
The opposition of democracy. He seems to prefer oligarchy or at least aristocracy
What is the Constitution of Athens?
It’s part of the manuscript tradition of Xenophon but is not by him
What kind of works did Xenophon write?
Historical or ostensibly historical narratives, Socratic texts, and short biographical or political treatises
What is the Cyropaedia?
This is the Education Of Cyrus, a fictional historical biography.
What are some example of Xenophon’s Socratic literature?
Memorabilia, Symposium, Oeconomicus and Apology
What is the Hellenica?
This is Xenophon’s contemporary Greek history, a personal take on the political and military history of the time
Comment on some features of Xenophon’s style.
His agenda was primarily didactic with reference to leadership skills. Xenophon has a reputation for inaccuracy as he used events from the past as tools for promoting political and ethical improvement. His style is understated.
Give a brief description of the Anabasis
It tells the story of the Ten Thousand travelling to Byzantium. Xenophon himself plays a central role which may have been exaggerated. It asks the reader to think about strategic and tactical skills. It evokes Panhellenism.
Give the dates of Xenophon’s life
430 BC to 354 BC
