Who was Xenophon of Athens?

Xenophon of Athens was a student of Socrates who later became famous as the commander of the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries he led back to Greece as described in his classic work Anabasis. He was well-known as a writer in his time and is best known for Anabasis today.

What is the Anabasis about?

The Anabasis tells the story of the failed attempt of Cyrus the Younger to take the Persian throne from his brother Artaxerxes II and of the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries who had to make their way back home after Cyrus' defeat. Xenophon, one of the commanders, was primarily responsible for the survival of his men.

Why is Xenophon of Athens important?

Xenophon is important not only as the author of Anabasis but for his works on Socrates, which, other than Plato's Dialogues, are the only extant works relating Socrates' life and teachings written by a contemporary.

How did Xenophon die?

Xenophon died of natural causes c. 354 BCE, probably at Corinth.

Xenophon Timeline

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Definition

Xenophon of Athens (l. 430 to c. 354 BCE) was a contemporary of Plato and a fellow student of Socrates. He is best known for his Anabasis (The March Up Country) detailing the retreat of the Ten Thousand Greek mercenaries after the defeat of Cyrus the Younger (d. 401 BCE) as well as for his works on Socrates.

More about: Xenophon

Timeline

430 BCE - c. 354 BCE
Life of Xenophon of Athens.
c. 403 BCE - 401 BCE
Xenophon is a disciple of Socrates.
401 BCE - 399 BCE
March of the Ten Thousand from Cunaxa to Pergamum.
401 BCE
Retreat from Persia of Xenophon and the ten thousand mercenaries.
400 BCE
Remains of Cyrus the Younger's Persian army arrive in Trapezus.
399 BCE
Trial and death of the philosopher Socrates, who taught in the court of the Agora.
c. 398 BCE
Xenophon works as mercenary for Sparta.
c. 371 BCE
Composition of Xenophon's memorabilia.
370 BCE
Composition of Xenophon's Anabasis.
c. 354 BCE
Xenophon dies at Corinth.

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