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Xenophon

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Military Personnel

The Resume

    (circa 430-circa 355 BC)
    Born in Athens, Greece
    Military leader and historian
    Officer in the Ten Thousand, a Greek mercenary force employed by Cyrus the Younger
    Wrote 'Anabasis' about their march across Anatolia, their participation in the Battle of Cunaxa (401 BC), and their march back to Greek territory
    Also wrote 'Cyropaedia' and 'Hellenica'

Why he might be annoying:

    His main military achievement is a retreat. (The Greek mercenaries' victory at Cunaxa occurred before Xenophon became their leader.)
    He launched the first recorded scorched earth campaign in retreating across Anatolia.
    He was banished from Athens for fighting on the side of Sparta (394 BC).

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was elected one of the leaders of the Ten Thousand after their original generals were invited to a feast by the ruler of Ionia, then were arrested and executed.
    He led the Ten Thousand on a 500-mile march through hostile territory and difficult terrain to reach Greek settlements on the Black Sea.
    Military historian Theodore A. Dodge wrote, 'The centuries since have devised nothing to surpass the genius of this warrior.'
    Cicero praised his literary style, declaring 'The muses were said to speak with the voice of Xenophon.'
    'Anabasis' inspired the novel 'The Warriors' (1965) and its film adaptation (1979).

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying