# Xenophon

## Biography

Xenophon, born around 430 BCE in Athens, was a distinguished Greek historian, soldier, and philosopher. Hailing from an aristocratic family, he came of age amidst the Peloponnesian War and became a student and close associate of Socrates. His adventurous spirit led him to join the mercenary army of Cyrus the Younger in his attempt to seize the Persian throne. After Cyrus’s death, Xenophon famously led the surviving Greek mercenaries, known as the Ten Thousand, on an arduous retreat, chronicled in his autobiographical work, *Anabasis*.

His military service and pro-Spartan sentiments resulted in his exile from Athens, after which he settled on an estate in Scillus. During this period, he dedicated himself to writing. His extensive body of work includes historical narratives like *Hellenica*, which continues Thucydides' history, and the *Cyropaedia*, a philosophical biography of Cyrus the Great. He also penned Socratic dialogues such as *Memorabilia*, offering insights into his teacher's philosophy. Xenophon's writings are prized for their detailed accounts of late Classical Greece, his military strategies, and his ethical and political reflections. He died around 355/354 BCE.

## Books

- [Anabasis](https://samolit.com/books/96404)