The Life Of Cyrus; Cyropaedia, Xenophon

Why you might read Cyropaedia?

This short history details the life of Cyrus. It is told by Xenophon who does not overlap time-wise with Cyrus. It is a great look into the rise of the Persian Empire. It includes commentary about how Cyrus achieved it all. As well as how he made it harmonious at least for his lifetime. All in all, it is an easy-to-read little history of the Persians. In my Self Education project, it stands as a history of one of the great civilisations. 

Synopsis of Cyropaedia

Book I:

Xenophon gives the details of Cyrus' upbringing. This includes the time he spent with his grandfather with the Medes. It is here he learns horsemanship. The tail of the section is spent with a dialogue between Cyrus and his father. In this, they discuss what a commander of men really needs to know. It is far more than the tactics Cyrus has been formally taught. You must have the men feed and trust you to command an efficient force.  

Book II:

This book looks at how Cyrus set up and trained the army that Persia sent to Medea. It explains the contests that were set up to motivate the men to train. Xenophon also spends some time telling stories of how Cyrus gave honour to the men. These rank from the lowest soldier to the highest captains. It finishes with an account of the dialogue with the masses. And how Cyrus got them to agree that they should be rewarded based on their accomplishments. This is in contrast to the status quo of all the soldiers being rewarded equally.

Book III:

Here we follow Cyrus raising an army to help defend his grandfather's kingdom. Xenophon details how he trained and maintained the army. We follow the army to his grandfather's territory. Before they set out for the enemy Cyrus detours to get troops from a reluctant ally. While doing this he also manages to gain an extra ally. When they finally meet the enemy they charge with such ferocity that the enemy runs. 

Book IV:

We see Cyrus take the army to chase the enemy. His grandfather does not want to but says he can take any of the Medes who will follow him. Cyrus convinces most of them. During the pursuit, one of the enemy's allies defects to Cyrus' forces and leads on as a guide. The enemy again flees and the Cavalry pursues. Cyrus decides that the Persians need their own cavalry. They will take the enemy horses that were left behind and learn. Cyrus takes so many prisoners and booty that he sends them to Persia for re-enforcements. About this time his grandfather realizes he has been left all but alone at the camp. He sends an angry message for the Medes to return. Cyrus sends a reply message that they have won the day which he hopes will calm his grandfather. 

Book V:

Cyrus' army takes on the Assyrians in battle and the king is killed. The Assyrians retreat and the son is elevated to king. Immediately a delegation comes to Cyrus offering to come to his side as the new king killed this lord's son. After a few more days another lord who the king had made into a eunuch also defects to Cyrus' side. Cyruses grandfather throws another wobbly upon coming to the front. He worries that he is being outdone by the honour guard that comes to greet him. Cyrus eventually pacifies him but not until he has given the older man back his pride. 

Book VI:

Cyrus regroups. He puts to the troops the question of continuing the campaign. They all agree with his assessment that they need to press forward. Cyrus sends multiple spies to the Assyrian side at varying levels of importance. They all come back with the same report. The enemy is massing troops and securing outside help from the Egyptians. Cyrus constructs new chariots with scythes on the wheels to run through infantry. Cyrus marches the army onward until they see the dust of the enemy. They form up in battle array and get ready to fight. 

Book VII:

Cyrus takes the army against the enemy and wins a resounding victory. He then takes one wealthy city and comes away with a lot of plunder and a city under his control. He then persuades the generals to continue the campaign. They then besiege Babylon. They take Babylon by re-directing the river that flows through the city. They used the dry bed to enter the city. Cyrus then sets himself up as king. But he explores the Persians who are with him to continue their lives of virtue. As well as training their sons in the same way as at home. 

Book VIII:

Xenophon describes how Cyrus sets up the running of his empire. The empire went well for Cyrus and he became known by the people as father. He does so by continuing the tradition of hardship for the nobles. He also continues as he did as a general and is lavish with gifts to recognize honourable men. Xenophon continues with an account of Cyrus knowing he will die and giving his last words of wisdom to his sons. But Xenophon does not stop there. He gives a brief account of the abandonment of Cyruses virtues in modern Persia.

Reflections on Cyropaedia

Cyropaedia is a concise little history. It might have overly rose-coloured glasses in its portrayal of Cyrus. There is no doubt, however, that he did great things and established an empire.

Xenophon's focus on the generosity and graciousness of Cyrus is interesting. He paints Cyrus as a saint of virtue and a firm believer in the providence of keeping your men happy. He is at all times at pains to show honour where honour is due. As well as making sure the army is fed and paid. At times he seems to focus too much on this but it always works well in his favour

I found Cyrus' adoption of the Median dress once he secures the Empire quite odd. He and his men are proud Persians and he emplores them to stay as such in their virtues. It seems counter to the rest of what he has done to give them a style of dress that is not Persian and also extravagant. 

What others have to say about Cyropaedia

 

"CYROPAEDIA, a partly fictional biography of Cyrus the Great (559-29 b.c.e.), founder of the Achaemenid empire" From Encyclopaedia Iranica

"Instead, it was meant to instruct its readers, primarily the Greek elites, in matters of both politics and morality. Nonetheless, the Cyropaedia still offers a fascinating look at the life of Cyrus the Great." From The Collector

Comparisons with other texts

Cyropaedia in some ways continues the themes of On The Cavalry Commander. On The Cavalry Commander is entirely about how to organise and train troops. Cyropaedia by contrast has it mixed through an account of someone doing exactly. Though that is on a  much larger scale. Cyrus organises and trains his troops with a similar ethos. This leaves me to wonder how much Xenophon took his theory from accounts of Cyrus.

Xenophon ends with a description of how Cyrus set up his Kingdom. This is very different to the details given in The Constitution of the Lacedemonians. It seems the greatness of a state or empire is not attached to its system of government.

Conclusion

This is a nice Pseudohistory even if it was written as more of a moral text. It covers the life of Cyrus right from childhood and training. It continues all the way to Kingship, dying and instructing his sons. It gives an interesting insight into how the Greeks saw the Persian Empire. This is in spite of their conflicts.

Have you read Cyropaedia? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read Cyropaedia but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of Cyropaedia. 

How to prepare Cavalry; On the Cavalry Commander, Xenophon

Why you might read On the Cavalry Commander?

This piece shows us how Athens structured her standing army. It allows us to see their preparations for war. It rounds out our view of cavalry in Athens. In my education project, this fills in gaps in my understanding of ancient warfare.

Synopsis of On the Cavalry Commander

This short treatise gives us a look into what went into training, maintaining and commanding Athenian cavalry. 

It starts with how to recruit cavalry, and raise the funds necessary. It continues with how to train the cavalry. Both as a unit and what you should instruct them to do on their own.

It sidetracks into how cavalry should be displayed during processions and feasts. The suggestions given would make the Cavalry look as good as possible. 

Finally, it finishes with how to March and command a force at war. It covers both with and without infantry support.

Reflections on On the Cavalry Commander

Xenophon gives his ideas on how the cavalry should be trained and maintained. This holds quite a bit of weight as he commanded the army in the retreat from Persia. And while it holds a lot of insight into how the army,  was run, we must hold it as one man's opinion, however, qualified he may be. We do not know if he ever had a chance to implement this regime and how successful it was in use.

His coverage of displaying the horsemanship of the men at festivals is a little hard for me to imagine. But I'm willing to trust Xenophon that it would be impressive. It is interesting that these displays are part of the festivals. I guess it is as good of a time as any to show the populace the prowess of the armed forces.

What others have to say about On the Cavalry Commander

"Xenophon is not shy about repeatedly mentioning the service the commander owes to the gods" From Ashoakkara

Comparisons with other texts

The easy comparison to make is between On the Cavalry Commander and On Horsemanship. The big difference is that On Horsemanship focuses on the individual.  By contrast On the Cavalry Commander is focused on the formation of horsemen. 

An interesting comparison is between the use of the Cavalry in Athens and the supposed use of horses in, the much earlier, Illiad. In the Illiad, chariots are used only to get to the battle. By contrast, the Cavalry of Xenophon are expected to fight, scout and generally be part of the order of battle.

Conclusion

This text completes Xenophon's discussion of the horse and its use in war. It covers recruiting men, training men and leading them in battle. It also sidetracks to give detail on how to display the cavalry in the festivals.

Have you read On the Cavalry Commander? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read On the Cavalry Commander but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

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The running of Sparta; The Constitution of the Lacedemonians, Xenophon

Why you might read The Constitution of the Lacedaemonians?

The Constitution of the Lacedaemonians gives a non-Spartan view of the city-state of Sparta. It is written by an Athenian and gives many ways in which the Spartans differ from their neighbours. In self-education project, it gives context to all other texts that deal with what Sparta did.

Synopsis of The Constitution of the  Lacedaemonians

Xenophon covers the training of boys and young men first. He covers both how they are trained and fed. It is a vigorous and comprehensive system that trains and teaches. The system places them with their peers rather than in their households. 

He explains how cooking and eating were moved to the public sphere. As well as how the mixing of ages helped temper young men. As well as the need to walk home in the dark deterring the overconsumption of wine.

He finishes by commenting that the Spartans seem to have eased up on these laws and regulations. It seems to him that they are becoming more like the rest of the Greeks. He points to this as why they have fallen away from being the preeminent state.

Reflections on The Constitution of the  Lacedaemonians

This is a fascinating insight into the setup of Sparta. Xenophon attributes it all to one man. The insight he must have had if it was truly all his doing. I wonder though if it would have stuck for even as long as it did if it had not been instituted by a Spartan patriarch.

The training of the boys I definitely more brutal than if they had been left to their fathers to teach. But I think the biggest thing that comes from it is the sense of unity. This unity will serve them well on the battlefield as well as in public life.

I do think Xenophon has a utopian view of the spartan regime. But this is likely to happen when you see the results it granted Sparta.

What others have to say about The Constitution of the Lacedaemonians

"...is the most comprehensive extant account of Spartan institutions. As an oligarchically-inclined exile from Athens, who had fought alongside Spartan generals in the Persian Expedition, and later against Athens at the battle of Coronea, Xenophon was a well-placed and highly sympathetic observer of Spartan customs." From Tom Griffin

Comparisons with other texts

The Constitution of the Athenians is a critique. It gives little to no detail about the constitution itself. By contrast, the constitution of the Lacedaemonians focuses entirely on the running of Sparta. As well as how it differed from the rest of Greece. They provide very different insights. Ready the most they have in common are their names.

The History of the Peloponnesian War details how Sparta wages war with Athens. It gives us insight into the political life and warrior life of Sparta. By contrast, The Constitution of the Lacedaemonians gives us insight into life within their own borders. It is hard to tell whether the war is before or after the decline that Xenophon notes. But possibly it is what he is alluding to when he says other powers have vied for control. 

Conclusion

The Constitution of the Lacedaemonians covers the training of young men. It covers the instruction for public life. It finished off with the structuring of the army and the place of the king. It lets us see what built the power of Sparta and how different it ready was from the rest of Greece. Though they fell away from it and it lead to their demise.

Have you read The Constitution of the Lacedaemonians? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read The Constitution of the Lacedaemonians but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

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A Critique of Democracy; The Constitution of the Athenians, Xenophon

 Why you might read The Constitution of the Athenians?

In a lot of works, we see the Athenian Constitution in action. It is a nice change of pace to actually discuss whether it works or is the best option. It is also the first critique that is not a satire we have seen. It makes a good balance to the prodemocracy parts of my reading project.

Synopsis of The Constitution of the Athenians

Giving the plebs a voice is a bad idea. It gives rise to the wealthy only looking after themselves and the plebs being less well off. He gives Oligarchy as an alternative. Saying that the wealthy are better educated and able to do what is best rather than popular. Xenophon spends a little time at the end giving issues with the courts. Especially how they could never get through everything. He does not propose a solution but rather leaves that to the reader.

Reflections on The Constitution of the Athenians

Like I said in the intro it is nice to see a critique of democracy as the Greeks practised it. Today we are so in love with democracy that we see all other forms as inferior. This piece reminds us that there are other options. And that they have their own positives and negatives.

This could have been done with a more in-depth discussion. At its current depth, it is unlikely to convince anyone who is not already persuaded. Persuaded that democracy is not the best option. 

I'm unsure what the author is hoping to achieve in this piece. Maybe it's a piece of pro-oligarchy propaganda. 

What others have to say about The Constitution of the Athenians

"This work represents both a philological and a historiographical problem, because, even if it was transmitted in the corpus of Xenophon’s work, it is considered to have been written by another author, known as Speudo-Xenophon or “Old Oligarch”" From Archai

"The pamphlet aims to show that the demos (common people) at Athens run affairs in their own interests, and it takes the curious form of a salute from an anti‐democratic viewpoint." From Oxford Reference 

Comparisons with other texts

In Agesilaus we see Xenophon praising a competent King. This seems in keeping with what we see here with Xenophon taking a stand against Democracy. Both are short Pithy texts with little fluff. That being said Agesilaus has a bit more depth of argument. As well as a bit more evidence for its claims.

The Acharnians is not directly about the democracy of Athens. It does however deal with Athens during the war. Here we see the courts in action, or inaction as the case may be. We see through this how ineffective the collective process can be in its need to consult all. This is exactly one of Xenophon's points about The Constitution of the Athenians.

Conclusion

The Consitution of the Athenians is possibly not written by Xenophon. But it is traditionally part of Xenophon's corpus. It covers the downsides of Democracy while lauding Oligarchy as a better alternative. 

Have you read The Constitution of the Athenians? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read The Constitution of the Athenians but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of The Constitution of the Athenians. 

What to look for in a horse; On horsemanship; Xenophon

Why you might read On Horsemanship?

On Horsemanship is one of the earliest works on horsemanship. It gives us insight into the choosing and training of horses in ancient Greece. Its author was an avid horseman often commanding troops from horseback. But Xenophon has another book on the cavalry commander. It is easy enough to follow even for someone who knows nothing about horses.

Synopsis of On Horsemanship

This book gives a detailed analysis of how to choose an unbroken horse. What to look for both in temperament and physically. He then also gives advice on buying a horse that has already been broken and ridden. Finally, he explains how to train a horse for war and for the parade.

Reflections on On Horsemanship

Like I said it is easy enough to read even for a person who knows nothing about horses. It is not overly technical but in places, it is a bit vague and I would not know how to implement what he suggests.

The differences between what to look for between the unbroken to the broken horse. Of course, a lot of it is the difference based on being able to test the broken horse. In the broken case there is less about the physicality of the horse.

What others have to say about On Horsemanship

"Xenophon intended the concise On Horsemanship, above all, to be practical — a work of applied theory. Neither geography nor overall military strategy, that is, predisposed ancient Greece to practising mounted warfare or to developing advanced cavalry tactics, so despite the status of Athenian cavalry as “a corps d’élite,”" From Horse Talk

"It is the first work known to emphasise training techniques that take account of the horse's psyche as well as his physical condition." From Local Riding

Comparisons with other texts

Being the first book on horsemanship leaves little to compare with content-wise. This leaves me with only the craftsmanship to comment on.

Like Apology, this is an easy read. In both Xenophon is concise while still explaining his point in enough detail for the reader to get his point. Both works do not assume that the reader has much in the way of prior knowledge.

Conclusion

 A simple read. It gives insight into the ancient Greek way of horsemanship and the training of horses for war. Written in such a way as to be understandable to the layman as well as the one who knows horses. 

Have you read On Horsemanship? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read On Horsemanship but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of On Horsemanship. 

An account of Socrates' trial; Apology, Xenophon

Why you might read Apology?

Apology is a short telling of the trial of Socrates and gives us a quick insight into the man. We have no writings by Socrates himself. Instead, we have the writings of two of his disciples, Xenophon and Plato. As part of your self-education, it gives an introduction to Socrates. 

Synopsis of Apology

Apology is a short telling of the trial and defence of Socrates. Xenophon was not in Athens at the time. He instead tells the story based on what he is told by Hermogenes. He is taken to trial by Anytus and condemned. His disciples see the trial as unfair and unjust. But Socrates sees it as his time today and is positive about dying before reaching old age.

Reflections on Apology

This is a second-hand account that reports to tell the words of Socrates in his trial. As such it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. It is well known that eyewitness accounts vary and this is then told by a third party. That being said Xenophon did know Socrates well. While not 100%, will still be a fair representation of what he might have said.

Xenophon in some places specifically says that he heard this bit from Hermogenes. This makes me wonder if he had other unknown sources as well.

Socrates faces death with a philosophical, pun not intended, outlook. His view that it is better to die while still in his prime is interesting. It shows a different outlook on old age as something to be avoided. Compared with today's twilight years and retirement.

What others have to say about Apology

"Xenophon's Apology was written about 15 years after Socrates died, which would be about 386 B.C." From Roangelo

"is an account of Socrates' defence at his trial in 399 BC. There are some differences of emphasis with Plato's dialogue of the same name, the only other extant account of the trial." From Tom Griffin

"What might be thought a trivial point about style hearkens to a much larger problem, as Socrates deliberated both on his defence (apologias) and the end of his life." From Ashokkarra

Comparisons to other texts

The Clouds takes aim at Socrates' work. It basically calls those who follow it fools. By contrast, Apology shows Socrates in a positive light. Though little of it is about his teaching perse, we do see his defence to the charges. From this, we gain some knowledge of his outlook.

Agesilaus speaks also of the dead after they are gone. But by contrast, it tells of his deeds, whereas Apology tells of his trial. This focus on the last moments of life gives a different kind of insight. Although both are prey to giving a positive spin on the deaths.

Conclusion

Apology gives a secondhand view of the trial of Socrates. It is far from impartial but does give us a feel for the man. How he approached death, even an unjust one, with an eye to the loss of suffering rather than loss of opportunity.

Have you read Apology? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read Apology but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of Apology. 

The long way home; Anabasis, Xenophon

Why you might read Anabasis?

Anabasis is a concise telling of the Greek expedition into Persia and their journey home. They are following Cyrus the would-be Persian King.  

For history, it is an easy read and gives great insight into the life of Xenophon. This knowledge will give some insight into his philosophical works. Overall, it builds into the understanding of the ongoing conflicts between Greece and Persia.

Synopsis of Anabasis

Book I: 

 The first book outlines how Cyrus gathers an army and marches for the capital. He goes to face his older brother who is king. Cyrus is trying to stage a coup. Xenophone gives details of the origin of each section of troops. This includes a sizeable Greek contingent. Their march inland to Babylon is told in great detail. This consists of the distances between the cities in which they stopped. It ends with the battle between Cyrus and the King and how different parts of the army succeed on both sides. In the end, however, Cyrus dies

Book II:

This book outlines the talks between the Greeks and the King. There is much going back and forth. The Greeks as cut off, surrounded by enemy territory. And so they try to get peace but come from a prideful situation. They see themselves as the victors of the battle and so will not surrender arms. Talks go back and forward. Eventually, the King showed his hand by executing almost all the generals of the Greeks. 

Book III:

his book details the regrouping of the Greek force under new leadership. This includes Xenophon himself. This only happens after everyone is despondent for a while. After much discussion, they resolve to fight their way home. They head off in a box formation with the baggage in the centre. They burn the wagons, the tents, and anything that might be excess to need. They skirmish with the king's forces a couple of times. They are outmatched without archers and cavalry. They remedy this by pulling men from the baggage train that can use slings. As well as using captured horses that were being used as beasts of burden repurposed as cavalry. From here they back themselves into a corner up a valley and have to come back out. They resolve to go north after hearing reports from locals. 

Book IV:

This book details the flight north of the Greek army. They proceed to the headwaters of both the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Large portions go past without getting more than a mention. Xenophon however goes into detail on battles including the taking of a stronghold. He also notes the men's reaction to finally seeing the sea. They start shouting and running until the entire army is on top of a mountain and can see the sea. The peoples they meet on the way are a mix of friendly and set on war. That being said almost every time a dialogue can be established there is an oath sworn not to burn the villages. These the Greeks happily swear and are happy to keep as they have no quarrel with the inhabitants.

Book V:

This book details the attempt to go home by the sea and the eventual march by land. The men upon reaching the sea lose their will to walk. But after not enough boats can be retrieved to carry the army and provisions run low they must move on by foot. The peoples they find are a mix of friendly and unfriendly. This is generally determined by if they are barbarians or a greek colony. Much thought is put into how to get some plunder and not go back to Greece empty-handed. 

Book VI:

his book details the continuation of the move through the outer greek territories. It also includes the separation and reformation of the army. The army first decides to appoint a commander. And do away with the council of generals they currently have. Xenophon is the candidate they want but he does not want the job. Within a week of appointing a commander, the army splits into 3 by racial lines. One goes by sea and is fine, two go by land. One runs into the enemy and is surrounded by the enemy. Xenophon commanding the other land force goes to their aid. After rescuing this part the army reforms and gives pledges not to break up again. 

Book VII:

This book details the expedition in Thrace for pay. Xenophon had great difficulty persuading the employing king to pay the soldiers. Even though it had been promised. Xenophon by this point wanted to leave the army and proceed home alone. However, circumstances and sacrifices kept him at the head of the army. Until the Lacedemonian generals take over at the entry to Greece to start another war. The book ends with a list of the countries they have travelled through and a total time of 1 year and 3 months. 

Reflections on Anabasis

Interestingly, Xenophon chooses to tell this story from a third-person perspective. It is easy due to this to forget that he wrote it. As a modern reader, I wonder if that was done to try and hide the bias in the telling. Either that or if it was the done thing for histories at the time of writing.

The problem of feeding and paying the army is a major issue throughout the whole campaign. This is especially true after the death of Cyrus. It has always been true that an army marches on its stomach. The occasional offers of others to pay the army is interesting, even if they don't tend to follow through. It also lead to some interesting decisions about the route. It was often better to march through hostile territory so that you could take from the villages. by comparison, if you went through friendly land where you had to pay for your food. After a long march, there was no money to hand so taking from the land became more and more necessary.

Xenophone ending up in charge of the army is interesting as well as he does not really seem qualified. He is rather is placed there when the generals are killed by the Persian King. He seems to do a really good job considering the situation. The only thing anyone can accuse him of is that he is overly fond of the soldiers and wants them to get their pay. At no point do they face an army on the same terms though. They are too big and manage to scare off opponents rather than facing them.

What others have to say about Anabasis

"It contains a famous account of the mercenaries’ long trek (“the march of the 10,000”) from near Babylon to the Euxine (Black Sea) after Cyrus’s defeat at the Battle of Cunaxa (401 BC). Xenophon, who had accompanied the force in a private capacity, was largely responsible for their successful retreat through his resourcefulness and courage.

It is likely that the Anabasis, which was initially published under the pseudonym Themistogenes of Syracuse, was composed some 20 years after the events it describes. Textual evidence suggests that it was subsequently revised." From Brittanica

"Anabasis is a classic story of an army’s retreat from disaster, told by the man who was thrust into the role of saving it. Anabasis means “march inland from the coast,” which is a paradoxical title for a book that is mostly about a march to the coast from inland" From The Hoover Institute

Comparisons to other texts

While this march is of epic proportions this book is a history rather than an epic. It details more of the politics and the discussions than it does the fighting. By comparison, the Illiad is far more focused on the battles and the heroic actions undertaken in the fighting. but unlike the Illiad, the force is moving. First, they head inland to Babylon and then north to the sea and back to Greece. Also, they generally don't face opposing armies in battle after the first battle with the King.

It is much shorter and more readable than The Histories. It only has to cover the politics of one camp. It has far fewer conflicts and doesn't go into much detail about the battles. As such it doesn't get bogged down as often. In a way, these two texts tell the opposite story. The Histories tell of the Persian invasion of Greece and Anabasis the invasion of Persia by a Greek army.

Like The Peloponnesian War, the author lived through the conflict. But unlike it, the author himself is a major player rather than just a bit part. Due to this, we get a lot more speeches to the troops. As well as more discussions that lead to the decisions than we do in the Peloponnesian War.

Conclusion

Anabasis is a good read, giving us the original telling of the March of the 10,000. It gives us insight into a portion of the life of Xenophon. Showing us how armies with multiple generals could make command decisions. It details the hardship of being stranded without a benefactor. But it also shows the tenacity of the greek soldiers in getting home again.

Have you read Anabasis? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read Anabasis but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

Get a copy of Anabasis. 

In praise of a Spartan King; Agesilaus, Xenophon

 Why you might read Agesilaus?

Agesilaus is often seen as the first biography. It details the achievements of Agesilaus II. It is said to be one of Xenophon's lesser works. That should not overshadow its importance to the genre of biography. Nor should it diminish how it helps to round out the understanding of Xenophon's work. An easy read that strikes the balance between recording the truth and readability.

Synopsis of Agesilaus

Xenophon starts his tribute to Agesilaus by detailing his victories as the king. These start in the subduing of Asia against the Persians. He then finds himself recalled due to problems at home. Xenophon then details his victories around the greek sphere. He includes the victories not won by might but by cunning or diplomacy. Xenophon then moves on to the character of Agesilaus. He details how religious he was, even respecting the temples of foreign gods. He adds how trustworthy his word and oaths were. He describes his humility and simple lifestyle and contrasts it with the king of the Persians. He gives stories from Agesilaus' life to underline his point in all these things. Xenophobe finishes with a summary of his points. In this, he admits that this reads like a eulogy of only the high points. He then tries to assure the reader that this is really how Agesilaus was.

Reflections on Agesilaus

It is hard at first to see past Xenophon's praise. Everything seems to be perfect, all the battles won. Xenophon does directly address this at the end of the work. It is also worth noting that the victories are because of good management. That and not going to a battle that he could not win. That being said he was still willing to take a chance.

It is interesting how many categories Xenophon broke Agesilaus' character down into. He separates his humility from his religiosity from his trustworthiness. While he doesn't use the same examples they can be at times very similar. This can make it hard to remember the specifics of the text.

I thought that Xenophon's inclusion of what he calls his urbanity. The idea that this was a powerful man that still did the simple things. Things like small talk or talking over a friend's problems. It adds an interesting highlight to the painting of his character. I would think most biographical authors would find it superfluous. That being said its inclusion does round out the view of this great king of Sparta.

What others have to say about Agesilaus

"The Agesilaus (Greek: Ἀγησίλαος) is an account of the life of King Agesilaus II of Sparta by Xenophon, one of the earliest examples of biographical writing." From Tom Griffin

"The Agesilausis an odd work. It praises the Spartan king Agesilaus as the champion and defender of Greeks: the text is imbued with the highly politicised language of Greek-barbarian opposition." From a paper by Rosie Harman

Comparisons to other texts

Thucydides' History focuses on a war between the Greeks and Persia. It covers whichever kings and citizens were in power. By contrast, Agesilaus follows one king of Sparta. Agesilaus details the myriad of wars he fought over the course of his kingship. But it does start with his war against Persia. It also does so in a lot less detail and strikes a better balance between accuracy and readability. Agesilaus is set after Thucidides' History and is affected by its outcome. Finally, Thucudides' History covers the war in Greece. At the same time, Agesilaus takes the war to the Persians in Asia.

The Peloponnesian war covers Greeks at war with each other. Agesilaus covers many things, but it also covers some battles on the greek peninsula. The Peloponnesian war gives the hegemony we see here. This allows for collecting forces for the war in Persia to be led by Sparta. Agesilaus is written later and it is from that hegemony that we get the war in Asia.

Conclusion

Agesilaus reads like a eulogy and Xenophon even admits this late in the book. There is no doubting that Agesilaus was a great king of Sparta but the book is very one-sided on his greatness. Xenophon was a great friend of Agesilaus II and shows him in a very positive light. It covers both battles and Agesilaus' character to give a fairly complete view of his achievements. 

Have you read Agesilaus? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read Agesilaus but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

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A father and sons folly: The Wasps, Aristophanes

Why you might read The Wasps?

The Wasps is another one of Aristophanes' political comedies. You do not have to be in the know on Athenian politics to find some of this funny though. Aristophanes does a good job of giving you enough context for the jokes. It stands as another example of the older idea of comedy in my overall reading project. It can do the same in yours!

Synopsis of The Wasps

The Wasps starts with an old man and his son at war with each other. The old man wants to go and be a judge every day. The son wants the old man to stay home and take it easy. So he has imprisoned his father in the house. The old man is very cunning in his attempts to escape the house to go to court.

The wasps then arrive in the form of other aged men trying to take the father to the court. They are called wasps because they carry spears. This shows them to be men who have gone to war for Athens. There is no distinction made between being a soldier or a sailor. They try and help the old man escape but they are found out. 

Then The son decides to persuade his father of the folly of going to judge. He calls him the slave of those who pays him so little. He details the incomes of the city and then contrasts them with what his father is being paid. His father concedes and the Wasps agree and retreat. The father is then dressed in fine clothes and slippers and offered wine. At first, he refuses to muddle his mind for fear of what he might do. He is told by his son that no one cares what the rich do while drunk.

Finally, the old man starts getting into lots of trouble while drunk. He offends many and his son is left to smooth the waters behind him.

Reflections on The Wasps

I wonder if the son regrets telling his father that no one will rebuke the wealthy when they are drunk. It seems to me that the father is troublesome no matter what he is doing. Maybe the son should have let him be rather than have him ruin his reputation.

Near the beginning we are told of a prophecy told to the old man about him needing to judge or criminals will get off. At first, he seems to take this to heart. But when he argues with his son this seems quickly forgotten. This is especially true once the son has convinced him to let the son take care of him. 

The so-called wasps are one of the more interesting choruses we have seen. They identify themselves as wasps. The ones with spears and who have fought for Athens. They both help the old man state his case. As well as being convinced alongside him by the son.

What others have to say about The Wasps

"It is considered by some to be one of the world’s great comedies, and perhaps exemplifies the conventions of Old Comedy better than any other play. It pokes satirical fun at the Athenian demagogue Cleon and his power-base, the law courts," From Classical Literature

"First produced at the Lenaea festival of 422 BC, The Wasps is, probably, the sixth comedy written by Aristophanes and the fourth in chronological order of the eleven surviving ones. Just like a few other of his plays, it explores a conflict at the level of a single household to comment on the broader Athenian social or political situation." From Greek Mythology

Comparisons with other texts

The Wasps is a comedy on the political situation. Unlike Peace or Lysistrata it does not spill over into commentary on the Peloponnesian war. Instead, it deals with the internal governance of the city of Athens. This is in the form of satire about the internal court systems and those that are part of it. Like Peace or Lysistrata some of the jabs at people in power may be lost on the modern reader. Unless the reader has actually studied the war, which I haven't.

Unlike The Frogs, the animal in the title is a main part of the story. It is also explicitly explained in the text. In the Frogs, the frogs themselves are real frogs though they speak. By contrast, the wasps are men with some wasp-like characteristics.

Conclusion

 The Wasps is a political satire. It pokes fun at the judicial system of Athens as well as its leaders. While set during the Peloponnesian war it doesn't mention it. It is a tale of a doting son and a troublesome father. The Wasps do feature in this play in the form of a chorus of old men who work with the father. Some of the jokes and illusions may be lost on the modern reader. That, However, does not detract from its enjoyability. 

Have you read The Wasps? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read The Wasps but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

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The Women Against Euripides; The Thesmophoriazusae, Aristophanes

 Why you might read The Thesmophoriazusae?

The Thesmophoriazusae is an interesting comedy. Where Aristophanes pokes fun at Euripides. It shows that irreverence for those who came before you could be played for laughs. While he pokes fun at euripides he does also show him as cunning. In this was Euripides is more positivly portrayed than in some of Aristophanes plays. It is an easy read and while it is a minor work it is a fun part of Aristophanes' collection.

Synopsis of The Thesmophoriazusae

The play begins with Euripides speaking with his father in law. They discuss the upcoming meeting of women. The women will discuss the punishment of Euripides. As they believe he has represented them negatively in his plays.

Euripides convinces his father in law to dress as a woman. So that he can infiltrate the meeting. The meeting is at the temple and if he is caught he will be punished severely.

Euripides shaves his father in law and dresses him in a robe and headdress. He then heads off to the meeting.

The meeting opens with prayers to the gods. These are a reminder of the consequences for revealing what happens at the meeting. Euripides' father in law starts to sweat. Then the proceedings start. The women describe how the plays of Euripedes have made their husbands suspicious. They claim that this is without cause. Then his father in law pipes up with tales of how women have done even worse. He argues that the playwright is going easy on them.

Then a man arrives with news that Euripides has sent a man to infiltrate the meeting. his father in law is found out and put under guard. 

Euripides arrives to try and free his father in law. They play a raft of characters but cannot convince the guard. Then Euripides goes away and comes back dressed as an old woman with a young girl. The guard takes a shine to the girl and takes her away for sex, trusting the old woman to guard the prisoner.

Euripides frees his father in law and they flee. The guard returns and finds them gone and chases after them. 

Reflections on The Thesmophoriazusae

This play ends in what feels like a rather odd place. I expected more about them fleeing or consequences avoided. It feels a little odd to end with them getting away with it but not succeeding in what they were trying to do. But the women do know who it was. Although they escape at the end of the play they still have to live in the same city as the women they have wronged.

The audacity of the plan of Euripides' is rather on the nose. It stinks of someone who doesn't want to pay the consequences for his actions. He possibly also believes his version of women is justified. He at no point agrees with the accusations. It is also interesting that he convinces his father in law to do the deed. He does not even seem to think of going himself or convincing someone more closely related.

The lack of modesty around how they find out Euripides' father in law is a bit on the nose to a modern reader. They just have a look at his equipment. Which clears up the deception pretty quickly.

What others have to say about The Thesmophoriazusae

"The play develops from Euripides’ discovery that the women of Athens, angered by his constant attacks upon them in his tragedies, mean to discuss during their coming festival (the Thesmophoria) the question of contriving his death." From Britannica

"Although written at the time of Athens' war with Sparta, the Thesmophoriazusae is seen as the least political of Aristophanes' plays." From World History Encyclopedia

Comparisons with other Texts

In this play, Euripides is one of the two main characters. Unlike The Frogs where he is more of a minor player. Also in this play, Aristophanes is more positive about the playwright than he is in The Frogs. In the Frogs, Euripides is found to be only the third-best tragic playwright in Hades. Whereas here it is his cunning and the recitation of parts of his plays that saves the day.

This play used Euripides as a character. It even uses lines from his plays. I am unsure how true to character Euripides is in this play. There is little else in common between his works and this play. He himself was a tragedist. This play, as with all of Aristophanes work, is comedy.

Like the Assemblywomen, this play involves soemone in disguess as the opposite sex. This deception is to gain entry into a gender specific forum. In this case the man is found out. By contrast The Assmeblywomen get away with it and swing the vote towards their desired outcome.

Conclusion

This is a light hearted play, that pokes fun at Euripides and his tragedies. It is Arisophanes' least political play. It makes little direct comment about the state of affairs. Euripides is cast as a medling but brilliant instigator. His father in lawis cast as the semi-willing patsy. In all a bit of fun if minor play in Aristophanes' repotoir. 

Have you read The Thesmophoriazusae? If so what did you think of it? 

 

Want to read The Thesmophoriazusae but haven't? Please leave me a comment and let me know why you want to read it.

Hopefully, this post inspires you to take the time to look into it on your own journey of Self Education.

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