The 1st Book of Xenophon the Athenian's Anabasis, "The Inland March of Kyros"
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| Tomb of Artaxerxes II at Persepolis. |
[A.1.2] And so the elder happened to be at hand; but Kyros Dareios sent for from the satrapy over which he had made him satrap and even him he made general of all the forces who muster in the plain of Kastolos. And so inland did Kyros go, taking Tissaphernês as his friend and having with him Greek hoplites, three hundred in number, and with Xenias of Parrhasia as leader of them.
[A.1.3] And when Dareios met his end and then ordained in the kingship was Artaxerxês, Tissaphernês slandered Kyros to his brother on the grounds that he was plotting against him. And Artaxerxês believed it and arrested Kyros so that he might kill him. But his mother, having pleaded on her own behalf, sent Kyros back to his satrapy.
[A.1.4] And as Kyros departed, having been put in peril and likewise dishonored, he plotted to himself so that never again would he be in his brother's power; but nay: if he could, he would be king instead of him. For yea indeed, Parysatis, his mother, first supported him, loving him more than the reigning Artaxerxês.
[A.1.5] And whosoever arrived there of the King's hangers-on to him, Kyros, having disposed himself in such a way, sent them off with the result that to him rather than to the King they gave their affection. And the Persians at his own side he managed so that with the intent to wage war they might be fit and also well-disposedly they might keep to him.
[A.1.6] And Grecian power Kyros mustered, as much as he was able in secrecy so that at the most unprepared he might catch the King. And so in the following way he went about his conscription: as many guards as he had in his cities, he passed along the order to each garrison commander to seize Peloponnesian men -- as many as possible and of the best quality, on the grounds at Tissaphernês was plotting against the cities. For indeed there were the Ionion cities which had been given over to the command of Tissaphernês from the King, and at that time they had revolted for Kyros -- all of them, save Miletos.
[A.1.8] Then to the King he sent that he deemed it worthy -- on account of him being his brother -- that he be given these cities, rather than Tissaphernês ruling over them; and his mother was working with him for these things. In this way, the plot against himself the King did not perceive, but upon Tissaphernês he thought Kyros was warring, since on armies he was spending money. And finally, the King did not hate them warring, for Kyros sent back to the King the taxes raised from the cities which chanced to belong to Tissaphernês.
[A.1.9] And another army by him was being conscripted in the Kherrhonesos, on the other side of Abydos in the following way: Klearkhos, a Lakedaimonion, was an exile; becoming acquainted with the man, Kyros admired him and gave him ten-thousand darics. Taking the gold, an army he conscripted with this money and setting out from his base, the Kherrhonesos, was he warring with the Thracians who dwell beyond the Hellespont and was thus aiding the Greeks. The result of this was that the Hellespontic cities furnished money for him for the upkeep of the soldiers -- all done willingly. And again in this way did this army, while it was being managed, escape any notice.
[A.1.11] And Proxenos the Boiotian, a guest-friend, Kyros ordered to come to his side, having seized men, as many as he could; this was on the grounds that upon the Pisidians he wished to make war, as the Pisidians had designs upon his own territory. And Sophainetos the Stymphalian and Sokrates the Akhaian, these being guest-friends as well, Kyros ordered to come, they having seized men, as many as they could; this was on the grounds that Kyros might war against Tissaphernês with the exiles of Miletos. And thusly these did such.
[A.2.2] And he called upon the besiegers of Miletos and these refugees he bid to serve as soldiers with him, promising them that if well he should perchance accomplish that for which he had set out with an army, he would not cease until such a time as he might lead them back homeward. And cheerfully did they believe him, for they put in their trust in him. And, taking up their arms, they were present at Sardis.
[A.2.3] And then as Xenias, having taken from the city those hoplitai numbering four-thousand, he arrived at Sardis; meanwhile Proxenos was present, who had hoplitai numbering five-hundred and a thousand, and five-hundred light-armed foot soldiers; additionally, Sophainetos the Stymphalian arrived as well, having one-thousand hoplitai; and Sokrates the Akhaian, having five-hundred hoplitai; and Pasion the Megarian with three-hundred hoplitai and three-hundred peltasts --all these arrived. And both Pasion and Sokrates were of those serving in the army at Miletos.
[A.2.4] And these aforesaid Sardis-ward to Kyros approached. But Tissaphernês, having perceived of these events and believing this to a greater armament than if he were to war upon the Pisidians, he set out for the King as fast as he was able, keeping some five-hundred knights at hand.
[A.2.5] And so when the King heard from Tissaphernês of the army of Kyros, he made counter-preparations. And Kyros, having those troops which I have detailed, set out from Sardis. He marched out through Lydia for three days' journey, twenty and two parasangs to the Maiander River. This river's width was two plethra and there was a bridge upon it, joining the two sides, made from boats.
[A.2.7] Thence he marched out three days' journey, twenty parasangs for Kelainai, an inhabited city of Phrygia, large and fortunate. There Kyros had a kingly house, and there was kept a large park, full of wild beasts which he was taken to hunting from horseback, whenever he might wish to exercise himself and his horses. Through the middle of the park runs the Maiander River and its fonts are under the kingshome and also run through the city of Kelainai.
[A.2.9] It was here that Xerxes, when he was from Greece retreating, having been beaten in that one battle, is said to have constructed this very palace and the Upper-Ward of Kelainai. Here tarried Kyros thirty days; and then arrived there Klearkhos the Lakedaimonian the Exile, having the a thousand hoplitai and eight-hundred Thracian peltasts and two-hundred Kretan archers. At the same time Sosis the Syracusan was present, having three-hundred hoplitai; and Sophainetos, having a thousand Arkadian hoplitai. And there Kyros a review and an account of the Greeks he made in the park and there were all-told ten-and-one-thousand hoplitai and around two-thousand peltasts.
[A.2.10] Thence he marched out two days' journey, ten parasangs to Peltai, an inhabited city. There he tarried for three days. During this time, Xenias the Arkadian made sacrifices for the Lykian Feasts and contests he held: the rewards were strigils made of gold. And taking in a view of the contests was Kyros.
[A.2.11] Thence he marched out two days' journey, twelve parasangs to Keramon-Market, an inhabited city, the outermost near Mysian country. Thence he marched out three days' journey, thirty parasangs to Kayster Plain, a city well-populated. Here he tarried for five days. But to the soldiers pay was owed, more than three months' worth, and, often going to his doors, they were demanding payment. But Kyros, telling them of his hopes, diverted them and was plainly aggrieved, for it was not a trait of Kyros to not give money if he had it.
[A.2.12] And there arrived Epyaxa, the wife of Syennesis, the King of the Kilikians, to Kyros. And it was said that to Kyros she gave much money. And so then to the army did Kyros give out pay -- four moons' worth. And the Kilikian Queen had an escort and body-guards about her of Kilikians and Aspendians. It was also said that Kyros had relations with the Kilikian Queen.
[A.2.13] And thence he marched two days' journey, ten parasangs to Thymbrion, an inhabited city. Here was near the road a spring called "The Spring of Midas", the king of the Phrygians, whereupon Midas is said to have hunted down the Satyr when he mingled the spring-water with wine.
[A.2.14] And thence he marched out two days' journey, ten parasangs to Tyriaeion, an inhabited city. Here he tarried for three days. And the Kilikian Queen is said to have asked of Kyros to show off the army to her. And so, wishing to show it off, in the plain made he a review of the Greeks and of the barbarians.
[A.2.15] And bade he the Greeks, as is their custom in such a fashion for battle to be arranged and stand, and each he bade to draw up his own. And so, the men were arranged four deep: while the right side Menon held along with his own, the left Klearkhos and his men, and the middle the other generals.
[A.2.16] And so Kyros was watching first the barbarians. After being drawn up, they were marching according to their horse divisions and their infantry array. And then the Greeks he was watching while he drove alongside upon his chariot and the Kilikian Queen in her covered carriage. And all bore bronze helms, and red-purpled jerkins, and greaves, and uncovered shields.
[A.2.17] And then when alongside all of them he had driven, he stopped his chariot before the middle of the phalanx, and then sent Pigres, his interpreter, to the generals of the Greeks and bade that the whole phalanx have their weapons at the ready and charge. And these commands the generals announced to their soldiers. When the trumpet sounded, once they readied their weapons, they charged. And from the outset more speedily they were advancing, but with a shout, a run then broke out on its own by the soldiers toward the camp.
[A.2.18] And the barbarians' fear was much -- both the Kilikian Queen took flight in her covered carriage and those from the market left behind their wares in their flight. Then the Greeks with laughter to the camp came. And the Kilikian Queen, having seen the splendor and the arrangement of the army was amazed. And Kyros was amused at the fear the Greeks inspired in the barbarians, a fear which he had seen.
[A.2.19] And thence he marched out three days' journey, twenty parasangs to Ikonios, the uttermost city of Phrygia. And there he tarried three days. Thence he marched out through Lykaonia, five days' journey, thirty parasangs. And this land he turned over for plundering to the Greeks on account of it being enemy territory.
[A.2.20] Thence Kyros sent the Kilikian Queen back to Kilikia by the swiftest road and sent with her soldier which Menon had, and along with himself. And Kyros marched out with the rest through Kappadokia, four days' journey, twenty parasangs to Dana, an inhabited city, large and fortunate. And there he tarried three days, during which time Kyros slew a Persian man, Megaphernes, a wearer of the princely purple, and some other lord of the vice-commanders, accusing them of plotting against him.
[A.2.21] Thence they were attempting to make an inroad to Kilikia. And the inroad was a route practicable for wagons arranged single-file safely, but impossible for an army to pass if anyone prevented them. And it was said that Syennesis was at the heights and guarding the inroad; therefore, Kyros tarried a day in the plain. The next day arrived a messenger saying that Syennesis had abandoned the heights when he learned that Menōn's army was already in Kilikia on the hitherside of the mountains and that he heard that triremes were sailing around from Ionia to Kilikia, and that Tamōn commanded these which belonged to the Lakedaimonians and Kyros himself.
[A.2.22] And so, Kyros went upland to the mountains with none hindering him, and saw he the camp where the Kilikians were keeping guard. And thence he went downland to a great and fine plain, well-watered, and of various trees quite full, and of grapevines as well. And much sesame, and Italian millet, proso millet, and wheat, and barley it bears. A mountain range surrounds this field on all sides, a mountain range secure and lofty, from sea to sea.
[A.2.23] Going downland through said field, he marched four days' journey, five and twenty parasangs to Tarsus, a city of Kilikia, a city great and fortunate, where stood the kingshome of Syennesis, the king of the Kilikians. And through the midst of city flows a river named Kydnos, which is two plethra wide.
[A.2.24] And this city the inhabitants abandoned with Syennesis to a secure place upon the mountains, all of them apart from the tavern-keepers. And there they tarried beside the sea at Soloi and Issus.
[A.2.25] And Epyaxa, the wife of Syennesis, five days before Kyros at Tarsus arrived. And in the over-passing of the mountains which led to the plain, two companies of Menōn's army were lost. Some say that while they were plundering, they were cut down by the Kilikians; yet others that, having been left behind and unable to find the other army or the passes, they then wandered about and were lost. Thus, these men were composed of one hundred hoplitai.
[A.2.26] And when the rest of Menōn's men arrived, they plundered the city of Tarsus, for on account of the destruction of their fellow-soldiers they became angry, and also turned their sights on the kingshome within the city. And when Kyros marched into the city, he sent for Syennesis to come before him. But saieth the king that he neither came into the hands of anyone more mighty than himself, nor did he wish at that time to go to Kyros, until his wife persuaded him and an assurance of good faith he then accepted.
[A.2.27] After these events, when all of them met with each other, Syennesis gave to Kyros much money for the upkeep of his army, while Kyros gave to him gifts which are known at the court of the King of Kings to be of value: a horse decked out with a gold-studded bridle, and a golden necklace, and armlets, and a straight sword made of gold, and a Persian robe, and his land no longer be plundered, and if they should seize a prisoner of war sold as a slave while happening upon such a one anywhere, they ought to release them.
[A.3.1] And there waited Kyros and the army for twenty days, for the soldiers said that no further would they go. Yea, they suspected that against the King they were going, and not for that reason did they say that had been hired. And first Klearkhos forced his men to go on, but him and his pack animals they pelted with stones whenever they began to move forward.
[A.3.2] And then Klearkhos scarcely escaped lest he be stoned to death, and when he later learned that he shall not be able to do anything by force, he called an assembly of his soldiers. And first he wept for a long time while standing. Seeing him they marveled and were silent. Then he spake words like these:
[A.3.7] Such things spake he. And the soldiers, both those who were his own and the others who had heard that he said that he would not go to fight the King, commended him. And men from Xenias and Pasiōn, more than two thousands, after taking up their arms and baggage made camp near Klearkhos.
[A.3.8] And Kyros, perplexed at these goings-on and distraught, sent for Klearkhos himself. But while saying that he did not wish to come to him, Klearkhos, without the knowledge of his soldiers, sent to Kyros a messenger and told him to have heart, for these matters were being settled according to necessity. "Keep sending for me!" Klearkhos bid him, and Klearkhos spake that he would not go.
[A.3.9] After these things occurred, Klearkhos, gathering his own soldiers, those who had come over to him, and anyone of the rest wishing to be present, spake such words as these:
These things spake he and then stopped.
[A.3.13] And from there, some stood up on their own accord to speak that which they knew, while others who were put upon by Klearkhos made known what sort of difficulty there was to either stay or go without Kyros' knowledge.
[A.3.14] And yea, one man, alleging that he hasten as speedily as possible to return to Hellas, spake that they choose other generals as quickly as possible in case Klearkhos did not wish to lead them into departure; and that they buy provisions at the market (but the market was in the barbarian army!) and pack up their baggage; next, having gone to Kyros, they ask him for boats so that they might sail away. And if he would not give them these boats, then for a guide they would ask Kyros, someone who would lead them in departure though lands which are friendly. And if he would not give them a guide, they ought to draw up into full array with all speed and send men to preemptively take the high ground so that neither Kyros nor the Kilikes might take it before them. "We have, " spake he, "many of the people and goods of the Kilikes, which we have snatched up." Thus this man spake such things.
And after him, Klearkhos spake such:
[A.3.16] After him, another man stood, pointing out on the one hand "the naïveté in bidding us seize the boats, as if Kyros were making his journey backwards whence he came", while then pointing out "how naïve it would be to take a guide from Kyros, the man whose enterprise we are ruining". He continued: "And also, if in such a guide we shall place our trust, some man whom Kyros would give us, what hinders us from also bidding Kyros from seizing the high ground preemptively for us?
[A.3.20] These propositions were agreed upon, and chosen men they sent with Klearkhos to ask Kyros of the things agreed upon by the army. And the man answered in reply that he heard that Abrokomas, an enemy of his, was near the Euphratēs River, being twelve stadia away. And thus, for this reason spake he that he wished to go on. And if this man were there, then justice Kyros longed to deliver to him; but if he should go into flight, then, "We shall plan for these events once we reach there," he said.
[A.3.21] And, having heard these replies, the chosen men reported them to the soldiers. And while among them remained the suspicion that he was leading them against the King, all the same it seemed best to follow him. And they asked for more pay -- in advance -- and Kyros promised to give them half of a whole payment in addition to what they were paid beforehand; so, instead of a daric, a daric and a half per month were given to each soldier. But as to him leading them against the King -- not then did anyone hear of it in the open.
[A.2.26] And when the rest of Menōn's men arrived, they plundered the city of Tarsus, for on account of the destruction of their fellow-soldiers they became angry, and also turned their sights on the kingshome within the city. And when Kyros marched into the city, he sent for Syennesis to come before him. But saieth the king that he neither came into the hands of anyone more mighty than himself, nor did he wish at that time to go to Kyros, until his wife persuaded him and an assurance of good faith he then accepted.
[A.2.27] After these events, when all of them met with each other, Syennesis gave to Kyros much money for the upkeep of his army, while Kyros gave to him gifts which are known at the court of the King of Kings to be of value: a horse decked out with a gold-studded bridle, and a golden necklace, and armlets, and a straight sword made of gold, and a Persian robe, and his land no longer be plundered, and if they should seize a prisoner of war sold as a slave while happening upon such a one anywhere, they ought to release them.
[A.3.1] And there waited Kyros and the army for twenty days, for the soldiers said that no further would they go. Yea, they suspected that against the King they were going, and not for that reason did they say that had been hired. And first Klearkhos forced his men to go on, but him and his pack animals they pelted with stones whenever they began to move forward.
[A.3.2] And then Klearkhos scarcely escaped lest he be stoned to death, and when he later learned that he shall not be able to do anything by force, he called an assembly of his soldiers. And first he wept for a long time while standing. Seeing him they marveled and were silent. Then he spake words like these:
[A.3.3] "Fellow-soldiers! Be not amazed that I am annoyed at present affairs. For Kyros hath been a host-friend to me, me a fugitive from my homeland, me he hath honored and, beyond that, he hath given me ten thousand darics. Upon taking this money, not for personal use did I store it up, nor squandered it, but upon ye all I spent it.
[A.3.4] And first against the Thrakai I went to war, and on behalf of Hellas I inflicted punishment upon them with ye beside me, for from the Kherronēsos we drove out those who wished to steal from the Greeks who dwelt there their own land. And when Kyros made summons, and taking ye with me I went forth so that if he had need of me I might aid him in return for the things which I well received from him.
[A.3.5] And since ye do not wish to march with me, it is necessary for me that either I betray ye to enjoy the friendship of Kyros, or be false with him and stay with ye. Indeed, if the action I am taking is just, I do not know, but I choose, at any rate, ye and with ye and whatever it is necessary to endure, I shall endure. And never shall any man say how I, having led Hellēnes amidst the barbarians, then betrayed those Hellēnes by choosing the friendship of the barbarians.
[A.3.6] But, since me ye do not wish to obey and follow, I shall follow ye and whatever it is necessary to endure, I shall endure, for I think ye to be my fatherland, my friends, and mine allies in arms, and in staying with ye I think I should be honored wherever I may be; but bereft of ye I do not think that I would be capable of either bearing aid to a friend or warding off an enemy. Thus, ye have an assurance that I shall follow ye wherever ye might go."
[A.3.7] Such things spake he. And the soldiers, both those who were his own and the others who had heard that he said that he would not go to fight the King, commended him. And men from Xenias and Pasiōn, more than two thousands, after taking up their arms and baggage made camp near Klearkhos.
[A.3.8] And Kyros, perplexed at these goings-on and distraught, sent for Klearkhos himself. But while saying that he did not wish to come to him, Klearkhos, without the knowledge of his soldiers, sent to Kyros a messenger and told him to have heart, for these matters were being settled according to necessity. "Keep sending for me!" Klearkhos bid him, and Klearkhos spake that he would not go.
[A.3.9] After these things occurred, Klearkhos, gathering his own soldiers, those who had come over to him, and anyone of the rest wishing to be present, spake such words as these:
"Fellow-soldiers, it is indeed clear that Kyros' business stands in relation to ours in like manner as our business to him. For neither are we still his soldiers, since we do not follow him, nor is he still our paymaster.
[A.3.10] "I know that he still thinks himself wronged by us. And so, after he sent for me, I declined to go, chiefly being ashamed because I understood that I had been wholly false to him, and besides, I feared that he might seize me and inflict punishment for how he thinks was wronged by me.
[A.3.11] "And so, it seems to me that it is not the time for us to lie idle and not have a care for ourselves, but we ought to plan for what is necessary to do from here on out. And as long as we stay here we must take into account -- as it seemeth to me -- how we shall stay most safely, and yea if it be seemly to leave, how shall we leave most safely and how shall we secure provisions. For, without the aforesaid, of no aid is any general or private.
[A.3.12] "And this man is worthy of much to one who might be his friend, but he is the most hardened enemy to one who would be his foe, for he hath an armament: infantry, cavalry, and a fleet which we all likewise see and know of. For not far off do we seem to me to be encamped from him. Thus, 'tis the hour to speak whatever any one of ye knows to be the best course of action."
These things spake he and then stopped.
[A.3.13] And from there, some stood up on their own accord to speak that which they knew, while others who were put upon by Klearkhos made known what sort of difficulty there was to either stay or go without Kyros' knowledge.
[A.3.14] And yea, one man, alleging that he hasten as speedily as possible to return to Hellas, spake that they choose other generals as quickly as possible in case Klearkhos did not wish to lead them into departure; and that they buy provisions at the market (but the market was in the barbarian army!) and pack up their baggage; next, having gone to Kyros, they ask him for boats so that they might sail away. And if he would not give them these boats, then for a guide they would ask Kyros, someone who would lead them in departure though lands which are friendly. And if he would not give them a guide, they ought to draw up into full array with all speed and send men to preemptively take the high ground so that neither Kyros nor the Kilikes might take it before them. "We have, " spake he, "many of the people and goods of the Kilikes, which we have snatched up." Thus this man spake such things.
And after him, Klearkhos spake such:
[A.3.15] "Let no man among ye say that I ought to hold the command this office entails -- for many reasons I see this matter ought not to be carried out by me. And the man whom ye should choose I will obey to the furthest extent it is possible, so that ye may see that I know how to be ruled as well as any other man."
[A.3.16] After him, another man stood, pointing out on the one hand "the naïveté in bidding us seize the boats, as if Kyros were making his journey backwards whence he came", while then pointing out "how naïve it would be to take a guide from Kyros, the man whose enterprise we are ruining". He continued: "And also, if in such a guide we shall place our trust, some man whom Kyros would give us, what hinders us from also bidding Kyros from seizing the high ground preemptively for us?
[A.3.17] "For not only would I shrink from boarding boats which he hath given to us, lest he sink us with his triremes, but I would also fear to trust a guide which he hath given to us, lest the man lead us off into somewhere whence it will not be possible to escape. I would wish that, if I were to leave without Kyros' consent, I would depart without him noticing-- this option is not possible.
[A.3.18] "But I declare the aforesaid propositions nonsense. It seems to me that men who are pre-eminent ought to go with Klearkhos to Kyros and ask him what he wishes of us. And if his enterprise be like the very one in which he also made use of sellswords, then we ought to both follow him and not be greater cowards than those who went with him before.
[A.3.19] "And if greater appears to be this enterprise than the one before, and also more toilsome and dangerous, we ought to deem worthy that the man either persuade us in some way to lead us onward or allow us to depart in friendship. For thusly, if we follow him, then on friendly terms and eagerly we should follow him, and if we depart, then in safety we should depart."
[A.3.20] These propositions were agreed upon, and chosen men they sent with Klearkhos to ask Kyros of the things agreed upon by the army. And the man answered in reply that he heard that Abrokomas, an enemy of his, was near the Euphratēs River, being twelve stadia away. And thus, for this reason spake he that he wished to go on. And if this man were there, then justice Kyros longed to deliver to him; but if he should go into flight, then, "We shall plan for these events once we reach there," he said.
[A.3.21] And, having heard these replies, the chosen men reported them to the soldiers. And while among them remained the suspicion that he was leading them against the King, all the same it seemed best to follow him. And they asked for more pay -- in advance -- and Kyros promised to give them half of a whole payment in addition to what they were paid beforehand; so, instead of a daric, a daric and a half per month were given to each soldier. But as to him leading them against the King -- not then did anyone hear of it in the open.
[A.4.1] And thence he marched out two days' journey, ten parasangs to the Psaros River, the width of which was three plethra. And thence he marched out a single day's journey, five parasangs to the Pyramos River, the width of which was a stadion wide. And thence he marched out two days' journey, fifteen parasangs to Issus, the uttermost city of Kilikia, which lies near the sea, inhabited, large, and fortunate.
[A.4.2] And there they tarried for three days, while there arrived to Kyros' side thirty-five ships from the Peloponnese, under the command of the admiral Pythagoras the Lakedaimonian. And these ships Tamos the Egyptian guided from Ephesus, and he had the rest of Kyros' ships numbering five and twenty. With these ships he was at one time besieging Miletos when the city was on friendly terms with Tissaphernes, and now he was warring alongside Kyros against the former.
[A.4.4] And thence he marched out a single day's journey, five parasangs to the gates of Kilikia and Syria. These aforementioned gates are two walls, and whilst the hither side on behalf of Kilikia did Syennesis -- and a garrison of Kilikes -- hold, the hinter side on behalf of the King of Syria was a garrison gathered to set up a guard. Through the middle of these two runneth a river named the Karsos, the width of which was a plethra. In all, between the middle of the walls there were three stadia. And there was no coming at the wall with force, for the pass was narrow and the walls went down to the sea, and on the upper side were steep rocks. And upon both walls towers had been built.
[A.4.5] And because of this pass Kyros sent for his ships so that he might disembark his hoplitēs within and beyond the gates, and thus check the enemy if they happen to be guarding the Syrian gates, the very thing Kyros supposed that Abrokomas would do, for he had a great army. But Abrokomas did not do this, for when he heard that Kyros was in Kilikia, he turned aside from Phoenikia and marched to the King. He had, as it was being bandied about, an army three hundred thousands strong.
[A.4.6] And thence he marched out through Syria a single day's journey, five parasangs to Myriandos, a populated city under Phoenician rule lying by the sea. There was a market place and there many merchant ships anchored. And there Kyros tarried for seven days.
[A.4.7] And Xenias the Arkadian, a general, and Pasiōn the Megarian boarded ships and, placing worthwhile things of the lot on board, sailed away. As it appeared to most people, they suffered of jealousy because their soldiers had gone over to Klearkhos on the grounds that they would go back to Hellas and not to the King, and Kyros allowed Klearkhos to keep them. After they disappeared, word went round that was Kyros was pursuing them with triremes. On the one hand some prayed that since they were cowards they ought to be captured, while others had pity if they should be seized.
[A.4.8] And Kyros, calling together the generals, spake:
"They have deserted us, both Xenias and Pasiōn. But let them know well that not yet have they run away. For I know whither they go and not have they escaped -- for I have triremes to catch their ship. But by the gods I myself shall not run after them, nor shall any say how I make use of a man as long as he is with me, but then when he wisheth to leave my service, I seize him and ill use him and despoil him of his goods. But let them go in the knowledge that they be worse in our eyes then we in theirs. And even though I have their children and wife in Tralles under guard -- but not shall they be deprived of them, but they shall take them back on account of their excellence in my service."[A.4.9] And these words he spake. Meanwhile, the Hellēnes, if any among them were more disheartened in regards to their inland march, were, upon hearing of Kyros' excellence, more pleasantly and eagerly making their march. And after these events, Kyros marched out a four days' journey, twenty parasangs to the Khalos River, the width of which was a plethra, and which was full of fish both large and gentle, which the Syrians think to be gods and let none harm them nor the doves. And the villages in which the army encamped belonged to Parysatis, given to her as pin-money.
[A.4.10] And thence he marched out five days' journey, thirty parasangs to the fonts of the Dardas River, the width of which was a plethra. And there lay the palace of Belesys, who once ruled o'er Syria, along with a very large and beautiful park having everything which the seasons bear. And Kyros cut down the park and set the palace aflame.
[A.4.11] And thence he marched out three days' journey, fifteen parasangs to the Euphratēs River the width of which was four stadia. And the city there built was great and fortunate, named Thapsakos. And there he tarried five days. And Kyros, sending for the generals of the Hellēnes, said that the march would lead against the Great King at Babylon. He bid them tell these things to the soldiers and convince them to follow.
[A.4.12] And, having called an assembly, they reported these things. And the soldiers were hard on the generals, and they declared that they all had known these things were being hidden from them, and they cried that they would not go on if someone did not give them money, just as had been given to the forces under Kyros' earlier inland march to see Kyros' father, and that these forces had received such pay not going off to a battle, but because Kyros' father was summoning him.
[A.4.13] And these things the generals passed on to Kyros. And he promised to each man that he would give five silver minas if they went to Babylon, and full pay when sent the Hellēnes back to Ionia. Yea, a great part of the Hellēnes was persuaded thusly. But Menōn, before it was apparent what the other generals would do, whether they would follow Kyros or not, gathered up his army apart from the others and spake the following words:
[A.4.14] "Men, if ye would be persuaded by me, neither running the risk nor having toiled would ye be honored by Kyros more than the other soldiers. And so, what do I bid ye to do? Now Kyros needs the Hellēnes to follow him to the King. Thus, I say that ye must needs cross the Euphratēs river before it becomes clear what the other Hellēnes will judge to do for Kyros.
[A.4.15] "For if they cast the votes to follow him, ye shall seem to be the cause because he began your crossing, and to the most fore-hearted of ye shall Kyros have thanks and shall grant rewards. And knoweth he how to reward someone if anyone or other does. And on the other hand, if the others vote to leave, we shall go back, all of us, together -- but of ye as the only ones who obeyed, he will have need as his most trusted men, and watch-ships, captaincies, and whatever else ye have need, yea I know how ye shall happen to have as friends of Kyros."
[A.4.16] Having heard these things, they obeyed and crossed the river before the others voted. And Kyros, when he learned that they had crossed, he was pleased and, sending Glus to the army, spake:
"O men, ye I commend. And so that ye shall commend me, I shall take a care, or no longer do ye know me to be Kyros."
[A.4.7] And yea the soldiers were in high hopes and prayed that he be fortunate. And to Menōn he was said to send gifts befitting a great man. So, having done these things, Kyros crossed, and after him the rest of the army followed, down to a man. And no man of those who crossed the river was wetted higher than his breast by the river's waters.
[A.4.18] And the Thapsakēnoi said that never before had this river been crossed on foot except at that time, but was only crossed by boats which Abrokomas, getting there before Kyros, had then burned lest Kyros could cross. And indeed it appeared there was godly work here, that clearly the river retreated for Kyros, who would become king.
[A.4.19] And thence he marched out through Syria eleven days' journey, fifty parasangs. And they arrived at the Araxēs River. There were many villages there, full of food and wine. Here they tarried three days and re-furnished the army's rations.
[A.5.1] And thence he marched out through Arabia, keeping the Euphratēs River on his right, for five days through desert country, thirty-five parasangs. And in this kind of land, the earth is entirely a level plain, just like the sea, and full of wormwood. And whatever else there was of bark or reed, everything carried with it a pleasant odor, just like spices.
[A.5.2] And there was not a tree at all in this country, and wild beasts aplenty, most being wild asses, but many were ostriches. And also within the country were bustards and gazelles. These animals sometimes the mounted men chased. The wild asses, when one of our horsemen would give chase, would run up ahead and then stop, for they run much faster than our horses. And again, whenever the horses would grow close, did the same thing, and it was not possible to take them unless at intervals the horsemen handed fresh mounts to each other to hunt them down. And the flesh of these animals which were hunted down was similar to that of stags, but more tender.
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| Asiatic Wild Asses (yeah, type that into Google...), more correctly known as onagers (from Grk: ὄναγρος, a combination of ὄνος “ass” and ἄγριος “wild”, which is exactly what Xenophon calls them: "ὄνοι ἄγριοι".) Their binomial name is Equus hemionus, hemionus coming from ἡμι-, "half" and ὄνος "donkey" -- there is some uncertainty as to why they are referred to as such, for they are not "half-asses" i.e. mules, the offspring of a male donkey and a mare, but "full-asses". These onagers are among the fastest land mammals, as the Greek mercenaries discovered. |
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| Ostrich, Struthio camelus. Struthio is from στρουθόs, meaning "sparrow", while camelus is a transliteration of κάμηλος, "camel", so "camel sparrow". Xenophon has named them "στρουθοὶ αἱ μεγάλαι", "large sparrows" in the Anabasis. |
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| The Arabian bustard, a member of the Family Otidae (whence Xenophon calls them ὠτίδες, from ὠτίς , ίδος, ἡ "bustard"). Lewis and Short specifically calls the birds which Xenophon is describing the Otis tarda, "slow bustard" also known as the Great Bustard. This bird ranges all across Europe as far west as Spain, it (of course) even penetrates into Asia, and its name also refers to the very trait on which Xenophon cares to remark: their propensity to tire quickly. As such, this indeed could be the bird of which Xenophon writes, or the Ardeotis arabs could be a contender, as it appears to be more widespread in the Arabian desert. Either way, these omnivorous birds range in height from two to three feet. |
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| Arabian gazelle, Gazella arabica. |
[A.5.3] But an ostrich no man caught, and the horsemen who speedily gave them chase ceased. For they broke far away in their flight by not only using their feet to run, but by lifting up with their wings just as if they were making use of a sail. And anyone was able to capture the bustards if they could quickly stir them up. For they fly a short distance, just like partridges and quickly give up.
[A.5.4] And the flesh of these creatures was very pleasant. Travelling through this country, the soldiers arrived at the Maskas River, the width of which was a plethra. And here in the desert was a large city named Korsōtē, and it was surrounded by the Maskas in a circle.
[A.5.5] And here they waited three days and provisioned the army. Thence he marched out thirteen days' journey through desert country, ninety parasangs, keeping the Euphratēs river on his right, and arrived at Pylai. During these days, many of the pack animals perished of hunger, for there was not any pasturage, nor any other shrub or tree of any kind, but barren was all the country. And those who dwell there dig up millstones alongside the river and shape them, and then they go to Babylon and sell them to barter food -- thus they had long made their living.
[A.5.6] In regards to the soldiery, the food gave out, and it was not possible to purchase any except in the Lydian market in the barbarian camp of Kyros, where a kapithē of wheat or barley cost four sigloi -- where a siglos is worth seven-and-a-half Attic obols -- and a kapithē equals out to two Attic khoinikai. And so by eating meat did the soldiers get by.
[A.5.7] And then there were the days in which the marches stretched very long, when either at water Kyros wished to end his march or at pasturage. And indeed, once when a way seemed narrow and muddy for the wagons to get through, Kyros halted there with the nobles and those of the finest pedigree about him and directed Glus and Pigres to direct some men picked out from the barbarian army to draw out the wagons.
[A.5.8] And when it was clear to him that they worked at leisure, as if in anger he bid those Persai about him, those most powerful men, to help move the wagons along -- yea, there was an example of good form to behold! For they ripped off their purple doublets, such ones as the Mēdēs wear, right at the spot where they chanced be standing, and went, just as if one would run towards victory, down a very steep hill, with their costly tunics and dappled trousers, some of them with torques about their throats and bracelets about their arms. And forthwith with such vestments as these they leapt down into the mud faster than anyone would have thought and raised the wagons off the ground.
[A.5.9] And in general it was clear that Kyros was in haste the whole way and did not wish to stop except on account of provisioning the army or some other necessity halted he, thinking as he did that if faster he reached the King, then he would fight against such a king who would be caught unawares, while if more leisurely he made his pace, then for such a king as that would a greater army be gathered. And it could be seen by anyone who turned their attention to the empire of the king, it was strong in respect to its lands and people, but in regards to the length of its roads and the splitting of its forces, it was weak -- just so, one ought to make war along speedy paths.
[A.5.10] Across the Euphrates River during this desert marches was a city, prosperous and large, named Kharmande. From this city the soldiers purchased necessary provisions, and in rafts crossed the river in the following way: the hides which they had as tent covers they filled with light hay from the animals' feeding places and then brought the edges together and sewed them together lest the water touch the hay -- on these they took to crossing and getting their necessaries, such as wine made from the date of the palm tree and bread made from millet, for this grain was very wild in the country.
[A.5.11] And there some of Menon's soldiers and Klearkhos' had an argument, and Klearkhos, judging that Menon's man had done wrong, gave him a flogging. The man, once he went back to his army, went about telling the tale, and once the soldiers heard his story, they took it hard and were greatly angry with Klearkhos.
[A.5.12] On the same day, Klearkhos, having come to the place of the river crossing after looking over the market there, was riding back to his own tent through Menon's army with a few bodymen about him. And Kyros was not yet back, but still was on the march hither. And there, one of Menon's men was chopping firewood as he saw Klearkhos riding through the camp -- and he threw his axe at him. And he missed Klearkhos, but another threw a stone at him, and then another, and then, once a cry had gone up, many.
[A.5.13] And Klearkhos made good his escape to his army, and forthwith called for his arms. And while biddeth he his hoplitai to wait with their shields upon their ready knees, he himself did take the Thraikai and the horse which were with him in the army -- more than forty, most of them Thraikai, and then marched towards Menon's men, with the result that they panic-struck, including Menon himself, and ran they to their arms. And yet, there were those who stood by, at a loss as to what to do in the situation.
[A.5.14] And Proxenos (for he chanced to be coming up later than the others and a contingent of hoplitai at his back) forthwith led his men to the midst of the two of them, set down his arms, and begged Klearkhos not to do anything. But the other was pained, given he had barely escaped being stoned, that Proxenos was taking his grievance lightly, and so he bid him to remove himself from the midst of them.
[A.5.15] At this moment, there arrived Kyros and he learned of the matter. Forthwith he seized javelins into his hands and, with such loyalists that were about him, came marching into the midst of the space and spake the following:
[A.6.1] Thence they went from there, and kept appearing the tracks and dung of horses. It looked to be the trail of nearly 2,000 mounts. As these proceeded they went about burning up the fodder and anything else of any use. Orontas, a Persian related by birth to the King and was spoken of as being among the best of the Persians in matters of warfare, was plotting against Kyros despite, having warred against him previously, having been reconciled to him.
[A.6.2] This Orontas spake unto Kyros that if he would give to him a thousand horse, he would either kill in ambush the knights setting fire to everything ahead of them or he would capture many of them alive and prevent them from burning in their advance, and so stop them from ever being able to report to the King their sighting of Kyros' army. It seemed to Kyros when he heard it to be a boon, and he bid him to take a part of each of the cavalry commanders.
[A.6.3] And Orontas, thinking that these knights were as good as his, sent word to the King that he would come to him with as many knights as he was able. He bid the King to tell his own knights to receive him as a friend. In that letter were reminders of his former friendship and loyalty. This letter he gave to a loyal man -- well, so he thought, for the man took the letter and gave it to Kyros.
[A.6.4] Reading this letter, Kyros seized Orontas, and summoned to his tent seven of the noblest Persai about him and bid the generals of the Hellenes bring up the hoplitai and have them station themselves about his tent under arms. And they did thus, bring up about 3,000 hoplitai.
[A.6.5] And Klearkhos was invited inside as a counselor for he seemed to Kyros and the others to be most deserving of honor amongst the Hellenes. And when he went out, he reported to his friends how the trial of Orontas unfolded, for it was no secret.
[A.6.6] And he said that Kyros began the conference in the following way:
[A.6.11] After he had been led into the tent of Artapates, the most loyal of Kyros' scepter-bearers, no one ever again saw Orontas either living nor dead, nor could anyone say how he had died -- it looked one way to some, another way to others.
[A.5.14] And Proxenos (for he chanced to be coming up later than the others and a contingent of hoplitai at his back) forthwith led his men to the midst of the two of them, set down his arms, and begged Klearkhos not to do anything. But the other was pained, given he had barely escaped being stoned, that Proxenos was taking his grievance lightly, and so he bid him to remove himself from the midst of them.
[A.5.15] At this moment, there arrived Kyros and he learned of the matter. Forthwith he seized javelins into his hands and, with such loyalists that were about him, came marching into the midst of the space and spake the following:
[A.5.16] "Klearkhos and Proxenos, and all ye others beside them, ye Hellenes, ye know not what ye do! For if ye join in some scrap with each other today, know ye that on this very day I will be hacked to pieces and ye will not last much longer than me. For the moment our affairs turn ill, all of these barbarians ye see will become more hostile to us than to those who stand alongside the King."[A.5.17] Hearing these words, Klearkhos came to his senses. The two sides then settled at ease and set their weapons upon the ground.
[A.6.1] Thence they went from there, and kept appearing the tracks and dung of horses. It looked to be the trail of nearly 2,000 mounts. As these proceeded they went about burning up the fodder and anything else of any use. Orontas, a Persian related by birth to the King and was spoken of as being among the best of the Persians in matters of warfare, was plotting against Kyros despite, having warred against him previously, having been reconciled to him.
[A.6.2] This Orontas spake unto Kyros that if he would give to him a thousand horse, he would either kill in ambush the knights setting fire to everything ahead of them or he would capture many of them alive and prevent them from burning in their advance, and so stop them from ever being able to report to the King their sighting of Kyros' army. It seemed to Kyros when he heard it to be a boon, and he bid him to take a part of each of the cavalry commanders.
[A.6.3] And Orontas, thinking that these knights were as good as his, sent word to the King that he would come to him with as many knights as he was able. He bid the King to tell his own knights to receive him as a friend. In that letter were reminders of his former friendship and loyalty. This letter he gave to a loyal man -- well, so he thought, for the man took the letter and gave it to Kyros.
[A.6.4] Reading this letter, Kyros seized Orontas, and summoned to his tent seven of the noblest Persai about him and bid the generals of the Hellenes bring up the hoplitai and have them station themselves about his tent under arms. And they did thus, bring up about 3,000 hoplitai.
[A.6.5] And Klearkhos was invited inside as a counselor for he seemed to Kyros and the others to be most deserving of honor amongst the Hellenes. And when he went out, he reported to his friends how the trial of Orontas unfolded, for it was no secret.
[A.6.6] And he said that Kyros began the conference in the following way:
"'I have called ye all here, friends, so that I, after taking council with ye, shall do what is just in the eyes of gods and men concerning Orontas here. In the first place, it was he whom my father gave to me, as a subject. And having been bid by my brother, as the man himself saieth, he made war against me by taking the Upper-Ward of Sardis; and I in turn made war upon him and brought it about that he see the good in ceasing to war with me, and then I took his right hand and offered mine own. After these things,' spake Kyros, 'is it that I have done thee wrong?'
[A.6.7] "And he answered him that he had not. And again Kyros asked, 'What of afterwards? Though as thou agree'st thyself, no wrong didst thou suffer at my hands, yet thou deserted me for the Mysoi and did harm to my country in whatever way thou wert able.' Orontas answered that he had. 'And didst thou not,' went on Kyros, 'when thou learnt of thy power, go to the altar of Artemis and say that thou wert sorry, and, prevailing upon me, thou gave'st me pledges and received pledges from me?' To these also Orontas consented.
[A.6.8] "'What then,' spake Kyros, 'didst thou suffer at mine own hands that now for a third time thou hast been plotting against me?' After Orontas replied that he had suffered naught, Kyros asked of him: "Then dost thou agree that thou hast done wrong upon me?' 'It is certainly so,' Orontas replied. At this, Kyros again asked: "Then yet wouldst thou be an enemy to my brother, and to me prove thyself a friend and loyalist?' And the other answered: 'Not even if I would do so, wouldst thou, Kyros, ever believe me.'"
[A.6.9] "In response to these things, Kyros spake unto those who were present: 'Such the man hath done, and such are his words. Thou, Klearkhos, be first of ye all to express the verdict which seemeth best to thee.' And Klearkhos spake the following: 'For my verdict, I would advise that the man be put out of our way as quickly as possible, so that no longer must we be on guard against him, but we may spend our free time, as far as he is concerned, on treating well those who wish our friendship."[A.6.10] This same verdict, spake Klearkhos, others also expressed. And after this, he went on, at Kyros' bidding, all of them stood, including the relatives of Orontas, and took the man by the belt, signaling the sentence of death; next, those who had been stationed there for the purpose of taking him away did so. And when those who had been accustomed to making obeisance before Orontas saw him again, they made obeisance again even though they knew that he was being led to his death.
[A.6.11] After he had been led into the tent of Artapates, the most loyal of Kyros' scepter-bearers, no one ever again saw Orontas either living nor dead, nor could anyone say how he had died -- it looked one way to some, another way to others.
And no grave was ever seen.
[A.7.1] And thence he marched out through Babylonia three days' journey, twelve parasangs. And on the third day's journey Kyros made a review of the Hellenes and the barbarians in the plain about midnight. For it seemed to him that the King would arrive at the coming dawn and offer battle with his army. And he bid Klearkhos to be at the head of the right wing, while Menon the Thessalian he had take up the left, and he arranged his own men himself.
[A.7.1] And thence he marched out through Babylonia three days' journey, twelve parasangs. And on the third day's journey Kyros made a review of the Hellenes and the barbarians in the plain about midnight. For it seemed to him that the King would arrive at the coming dawn and offer battle with his army. And he bid Klearkhos to be at the head of the right wing, while Menon the Thessalian he had take up the left, and he arranged his own men himself.
[A.7.2] After the review, came deserters from the king at dawn to report to Kyros concerning the army of the King. Upon summoning his generals and the captains of the Hellenes, Kyros deliberated with them as to how he should carry out the battle, and even exhorted them himself, emboldening them with the following:
[A.7.3] "O men of Hellas, not because I am in want of barbarians that I bring you here to fight alongside me, but I am knowledgeable that ye are better and stronger than many barbarians -- and on account of this I have brought you along. And so, see to it that ye be worthy then of this freedom which ye possess and for which I congratulate ye. For well ye know that I would choose this freedom in place of everything which I own and anything else many times more.[A.7.4] "And so that may ye know upon what sort of contest ye are entering, I who know shall explain it to ye. For while a mighty great number will come upon us with a mighty shout at the outset, as for the rest...well, I suppose I am ashamed that ye shall know what sort of men there are in our country. But if ye be men and well go my affairs, I shall make anyone among ye who wants to return home a figure of envy to his neighbors, though I think that I shall make many choose to stay at my side instead of returning to his home."
[A.7.5] It was here that Gaulites, an exile of Samos and a man faithful to Kyros spake:
"But yet, Kyros, saieth some that much now thou dost promise due to thou being in the path of such oncoming danger, but if it should go well for thee, they claim that thou shalt not remember! And yet others say that not even if thou shouldst both remember and want to keep thy promises, wouldst thou be able to pay back such things which thou dost now promise."
[A.7.6] Upon hearing these words, Kyros spake:
"Well, men, our father's country extends to the south until people are no longer able to dwell on account of the heat and to the north until they cannot dwell on account of the winter. All betwixt these my brother's friends govern as satraps.
[A.7.7] Should we conquer this land, we must needs make our friends in control of these satrapies. And so I do not fear that I do not have enough to give to each of my friends should it go well, but that I do not have enough friends to whom I may gift. To each and every one of ye men of Hellas I shall give a gold'n crown."
[A.7.8] Upon hearing these things they were much more enthusiastic and reported what they heard to others. And then came to Kyros generals and certain others of the Hellenes who thought themselves worthy enough know what awaited them should they have mastery in the coming battle. And having fulfilled the fancies of each and every one of them, he sent them away.
[A.7.9] And it was the recommendation of all his advisors, whosoever conversed with him, to not take part in the fighting, but to take up position in the rear. At this opportune time, Klearkhos asked Kyros a question in the following manner: "Think'st thou that thy brother with take up a fight thee, Kyros?" "Yes, by Zeus," quoth Kyros, "if he truly is the offspring of Dareios and Parysatis and mine own brother -- not without a fight will I take what I want."
[A.7.10] Yea, there in the muster under this review the number of the Hellenes' hoplitai was ten thousand four hundred shields strong, two thousand five hundred peltasts, and with Kyros were one hundred thousand barbarians and twenty scythe-wielding chariots.
[A.7.11] And of the enemy it was reported there to be one million two hundred thousand and two hundred scythe-cars. And besides these there were six thousand knights, o'er which Artagerses commanded; and what's more, these forces had been stationed in front of the King.
[A.7.12] And the King's army had in the way of a commander, general, and leader four officers each commanding three hundred thousand -- Abrokomas, Tissaphernes, Gobryas, and Arbakes. But of these, present at the battle were nine hundred thousand and one hundred and fifty scythe-wielding chariots, for Abrokomas arrived five days too late for the battle, given that he was marching out from Phoinikia.
[A.7.16] And this trench the Great King constructed as a line of defence when he learnt that Kyros was marching out to meet him. And it was through this aforementioned pass Kyros and his army travelled and found themselves within the trench.
[A.7.13] And some of the enemy deserted the Great King before the battle and reported these developments to Kyros and after the battle those of the enemy who were taken reported the same.
[A.7.14] And thence marched out Kyros a single day's journey, three parasangs with all his army arranged about him, both Hellene and barbarian -- for he thought that on this day he would do battle with the King. For in the middle of the day's journey, there was a trench dug deep, in breadth five cubits and in depth three.
[A.7.15] And this trench was dug out through the length of the plain, about twelve parasangs, until it reached the Median Wall. There canals ran from the Tigres river: there were four of these, a plethra wide and equally deep, and grain-laden boats were wont to sail upon them; they extended to the Euphrates, and, parasang apart apiece, bridges were built thereupon. A narrow pass ran alongside the Euphrates betwixt the river and the trench, approximately twenty feet in breadth.
[A.7.17] So it was on this very day that the King did not do battle with him, but they were of the appearance of horse and human in retreat, tracks aplenty.
[A.7.18] Thereupon Kyros called Silanus the Amprakiot seer and gave to him three thousand darics on the grounds that it was the eleventh day from when the man said while performing a sacrifice that the King would not offer battle within the next ten days; it was then that Kyros said that, if true, if the King will not offer battle within those so-named ten days, then he would not do so. "If thou speak'st the truth," saieth Kyros to the seer, "I promise thee ten talents." And this now was the gold he gave away to him since ten days had passed.
[A.7.19] And when the King hindered not the passage of Kyros' army when it was in the trench, it was seemly to Kyros and the others to give up on the idea of a battle with the result that the next day Kyros ranged more carelessly.
[A.7.20] On the third day he made his way at ease reclining in his car and a few were in formation about his person; and much of the army went in disorder, many of the soldiers' weapons were borne in carts and by pack animals.
[A.8.1] And now it was about market-time and nearby was the stopping place for the day's journey, when Pategyas, a trusted Persian hanger-on of Kyros, came into view at full gallop on a horse dripping with sweat, and forthwith to all upon whom he chanced he shouted in both Persian and Hellenic that the King was on the approach with a large army prepared as if to offer battle.
[A.8.2] Thereupon a great disorder occurred, for it was the expectation of the Hellenes -- and of everyone, really -- that the King would fall upon them while they were not arranged in their lines.
[A.8.3] Kyros, having leapt down from his chariot, donned his breastplate, and, upon mounting his charger, he took his darts into his hands; to all the others he passed along orders to arm themselves to the teeth and take up positions, each man of them.
[A.8.4] Thereupon with much haste were they arranged: while Klearkhos held the right side of the right wing, the Euphrates River being close by, then Proxenos next to him in the middle, and then the rest besides Menon commanded on the left wing of the Hellenic contingent.
[A.8.5] As for the barbarians, the Paphlagonian horse, numbering a thousand, took up position on Klearkhos' right, as well as the Hellenic peltast contingent; on the army's overall left wing was Ariaios, Kyros' high commander, and the rest of the barbarian forces.
[A.8.6] Kyros and his cavalry, numbering near six hundred, took the center, armed with corslets and thigh-guards, as well as helmets -- every one of them, except Kyros. For Kyros was wont to set off for battle while keeping his head bare, for it is said that other Persians run the risk of engaging in combat with heads bare.
[A.8.7] And all the horses with Kyros wore frontlets and corslets as well; the riders bore Hellenic cavalry sabres.
[A.8.8] But indeed, it was now midday and no where was the enemy to be seen; then, as the afternoon came on, there appeared a mass of kicked-up sand, just as a white cloud, but after good deal of time it became like a darkness upon the plain which covered much distance. And when they drew nearer, immediately was bronze seen flashing like lightning, as well as spearheads, and forces all in array came into view.
[A.8.9] There, on the enemy's left, were knights armored with white corslets -- Tissaphernes was said to command these. Hard by were troops bearing wicker shields, and next were hoplitai with wooden shields reaching to their feet -- these were said to be Aigyptioi. Some were knights, others archers. And all these marched according to their respective nations in squares full of men.
[A.8.10] And before all of these were the chariots called the scythe-cars; each one rolled along at intervals of some distance, as they had scythes coming off the axles running parallel to the ground, as well as coming off the chariot-boards themselves and facing the ground in such a way they could cut to ribbons upon whatever they might chance.
[A.8.11] As for what Kyros said when he had summoned the Hellenes and urged them to endure the battle-cry of the barbarians, he was proven untrue; for not with a battle-cry, but with the greatest silence possible, with calm step and slow pace they advanced.
[A.8.12] Now, as Kyros was riding along with only Pigres the Interpreter about his person and three or four others, he called to Klearkhos to lead his army against the center of the enemy, as it was there where the King was stationed. "If we win there," spake Kyros, "we've accomplished it all."
[A.8.13] But Klearkhos was taking a look at the enemy's center densely packed with men and hearing from Kyros that the line of foes stretched beyond the Hellenic left (this was because the King had such a large number that, although he held the center, he was beyond the left of Kyros' forces), and so for all of that he did not wish to draw his right wing from the river as he feared being encircled on either flank; and so, he answered Kyros by saying that he would take care it all go well.
[A.8.14] It was at this moment that the barbarian force began to advance at an even pace, while the Hellenic contingent was still rooted in its same place and was still being set up in proper order made up troops who were still in the process of gathering. And Kyros rode by some ways from his army and gazed off in one direction, and then the other, looking at both his foes and then his friends.
[A.8.15] Catching sight of him, Xenophon the Athenian from the Hellenic contingent rode up him to meet him and asked if he had any orders to pass down the line. Bringing his horse to a halt nearby, Kyros spake and bid him to say to all that both the sacrificial rites and victims had been good.
[A.8.16] In the midst of making this utterance, he heard an uproar rippling its way through the ranks and asked what the din was; the other replied that the password was being passed down for a second time. The former expressed wonderment at who had passed down the password and what the password was; the latter made answer: "Zeus, savior and victory."
[A.8.17] Upon hearing this, saieth Kyros, "Ah, I accept this -- let it be so." Finishing these words, he rode off to his own position. Not yet lay three or four stadia betwixt the respective battle-lines when began the Hellenes to sing the paion and move into position to face the enemy.
[A.8.18] As the Hellenic line advanced, part of it wavered from the rest, and this part which then fell behind began to break into a run. And then all of them as one cried aloud the sort of war-cry one would make for warlike Enyalios -- and then all began to run. Some tell tale that upon their shields they loudly clashed their spears and put a fright into the horses.
[A.8.19] Before they were within bowshot, the barbarians wavered and then fled. Thence at full power the Hellenes went after them, all the while were shouting at each other not to run at full speed, but instead to pursue while keeping their lines.
[A.8.20] As for the chariots, part of them were driven through their own, that is, the enemy, lines, while the other part of their division went through the Hellenic line; when they would approach, room would be made for them to pass. But one man became caught up in them as if he had been some panic-stricken fool on a racetrack, although it is reported he suffered no harm -- for none of the Hellenes in this battle was hurt, not one, apart from one on the left (it is said) being struck by an arrow.
[A.8.21] Even though Kyros took pleasure in seeing that the Hellenes were winning against the forces opposite them such that they had these foes in pursuit, and although those around him had prostrated themselves as if he were already King, he was not inclined to join the pursuit; but instead, keeping a contingent of six hundred knights in close proximity to his person, he kept an eye out as to what the King would do, for he knew that the King himself held the center of the Persian army.
[A.8.22] All the generals of the barbarians lead their forces while holding the center, for they think it the safest should the might of their forces lie on either side of them; and if they have need to pass anything down the line, in half the time will the army learn of it.
[A.8.23] So yea, the King at that time held the center of his army, but yet was beyond Kyros' left wing. And since none in his front opposed him nor the troops set up before him, he wheeled his line about to encircle his foes.
[A.8.24] It was at this moment that Kyros, having feared that the King would get behind the Hellenic contingent and hack them to bits, galloped to meet these forces head-on. Rushing them with his six hundred, he won o'er the forces posted before the King and put to flight the six thousands -- it is even said that he himself slew Artagerses their leader with his own hand.
[A.8.25] While this rout was taking place, likewise did Kyros' six hundred, after setting out in pursuit, split up and were scattered about such that exceedingly few were left about his person, these being his so-called Table Companions.
[A.8.26] Kyros was with these Table Companions when the King and the forces densely arrayed before him came into his view. Straightaway he lost his senses, shouted "I see the man!" and let loose upon him; he slashed at the King's breast and wounded him through his corselet, as the physician Ktesias reports, for he himself claimed to have treated the wound.
[A.8.26] Kyros was with these Table Companions when the King and the forces densely arrayed before him came into his view. Straightaway he lost his senses, shouted "I see the man!" and let loose upon him; he slashed at the King's breast and wounded him through his corselet, as the physician Ktesias reports, for he himself claimed to have treated the wound.
[A.8.27] In the midst of delivering this stroke, someone violently stabbed him with a javelin under the eye. And thereupon fighting broke out between Kyros and the King, as well those who were about them, on either side trying to protect them. Ktesias relates who died on the King's side, for he was alongside the King; on the other side Kyros himself died and eight of his best lay beside him.
[A.8.28] And Artapates, the most trusted of his scepter-bearers, the tale tells that when he saw Kyros had fallen, leapt down from his horse and fell upon the body in an embrace.
[A.8.29] While one report claims that the King bid someone slay him upon Kyros body, others tell tale that he killed himself after drawing his own akinakes (a straight dagger the Persians use), for he carried a golden one, as well as a necklace and bracelets and other such things as the Persian nobles wear, given that he had been honored by Kyros on account of his affection and trust.
[A.9.1] And so, Kyros thusly died, the kingliest and most worthy man to rule since Kyros the Elder -- this is universally reported by those who formed an opinion of him in his enterprise.
[A.9.2] Firstly, while still a lad and being tutored with his brother and other boys, he was thought to be the ablest of all of them in every regard.
[A.9.3] For all the sons of the noblest Persians are tutored at the King's Court and there one might make a careful and complete study of self-restraint, as nothing shameful can either be heard or seen.
[A.9.4] As for what they do see and hear, they have a firsthand view of people being honored by the King and likewise dishonored -- and such deeds reach their ears as well. Thus, rightaway do their boys learn to rule and to be ruled.
[A.9.5] From the outset Kyros had a reputation for being the most modest of his fellows, even more obedient to his betters than his own lessers, while secondly he was most fond of horses and handled them exceedingly well. All judged him fiercely hungry to learn and train in the arts of war, the bow, and the javelin.
[A.9.6] When he was of a fitting age he was most fond of the hunt and, to be sure, he was also very fond of the danger associated with chasing wild beasts. Once he did not flee a bear bearing down on him, but, falling in with her, he was dragged from his horse; while he suffered some hurt, the scars of which he long bore, he did in the end kill the beast. The one who first succoured him he made an object of envy to many.
[A.9.7] And when he sent by his father as satrap of Lydia, Greater Phrygia, and Kappadokia, and even was also appointed general of all the forces who come to muster in the plain of Kastolos, he first of all made an example of placing the highest import to, if he should make an oath, or a covenant, or some promise, never be made a liar.
[A.9.8] For thusly then did the cities put their trust in him and entered into his protection, while individual men also believed him. And if anyone had become his enemy, that man trusted that he would suffer nothing in violation to an oath which Kyros swore.
[A.9.9] It was for this very reason when he warred with Tissaphernes, all the cities of their own accord chose him instead of Tissaphernes -- apart from the Milesians, who only did so because he did not wish to give up the exiles from their city, and so they feared him.
[A.9.10] For by deed was he known and he spake that not would he ever give them up once he became their friend, not even if they should grow fewer or even meet with worse ill.
[A.9.11] It was clear that if any were to do either some good or harm to him, he attempted to outdo them, such that some would say like a sort of prayer of his that he might live as long as he needed to outdo both those who had treated him well and those do had done him ill, paying back stroke for stroke.
[A.9.12] And it was for this reason that very many indeed set their hearts upon him and him alone out of every other man of our age and they threw money, cities, and their own bodies upon him.
[A.9.13] And then to be sure none would say even this, that he would suffer evildoers and the unjust to laugh at him, but most mercilessly of all would he exact his vengeance. Oft could be seen along traversed roads people who had lost their feet and hands and eyes -- thus was it that within Kyros' satrapy that both guiltless Hellene and barbarian alike might fearlessly make their way wherever they wished, possessing whatever might be needed.
[A.9.14] But yet it was his fitness for war upon which he was commonly agreed to be especially honored. Foremost was his war with the Pisidians and the Mysoi, where he ended up making an invasion into their own territories and those whom he saw wishing to risk danger, he made rulers over the lands he subdued and then afterwards also honored them with other gifts.
[A.9.15] And so appeared the fit to be blessed and happy, while the wicked fit to be slaves. And for this reason much was the abundance of those wishing to face danger wherever anyone thought that Kyros would see them.
[A.9.16] Nay even more, if someone became clearly ready to distinguish oneself in regard to righteousness, Kyros considered it of every import to make these more wealthy than those greedy of gain acquired from their injustice.
[A.9.17] And so accordingly various and manifold affairs were loyally conducted for him, and he was furnished with a trusty army. For the generals and captains who sailed to him for money came to know that it would be more profitable to obey Kyros well than to receive monthly pay.
[A.9.18] Well indeed, if any would have competently done him a service upon his request, he would by no account allow their enthusiasm to go unrewarded -- and it was for this very reason that the best attendants in every regard were said to belong to Kyros.
[A.9.19] If he saw some skillful manager who justly organized the lands over which they ruled and also secured revenue, by no means would he ever take anything from them, but ever give them more; the result of this they worked with delight and daringly they increased their holdings and not in the least did anyone hide from Kyros that which they had acquired, for clearly he did not envy anyone obviously wealthy but instead tried to make use of the wealth of those who hid it.
[A.9.20] It is agreed that in every instance he was the best at serving his friends, all whom he made and knew to be kind and judged to be capable co-workers in whatever he happened to wish to accomplish.
[A.9.21] For this was the very reason for which he thought he needed friends: so that he might have co-workers. And he himself tried to be the best co-worker to his friends and secure whatever he came to learn each one desired.
[A.9.22] Though he was but a single man, he received very many gifts for, I would imagine, many reasons: most of all he handed out gifts to his friends with an eye to the character of each and whatever he especially saw each wanted.
[A.9.23] And as for all the gifts someone might send to him to personally wear either for war or for show, they say that spake he that while he was not able to dress himself in all of these refinements, he thought the greatest adornment for a man is to have well-dressed friends.
[A.9.24] That he outdid his friends in great gifts and doing them good service is nothing surprising, since, of course, he was more capable of doing so than they; but that he surpassed his friends in attention and enthusiasm for giving gifts seems at least to me to be more admirable.
[A.9.25] For example, Kyros often sent half-emptied jars of wine whenever he came across some which was exceedingly good with a message which ran: "Not in a long while have I chanced upon better wine, so I send it to thee and ask thee that thou finish it with thy dearest friends."
[A.9.26] Oft he sent halves of geese and half loaves of bread and other such things, bidding the messenger add the following: "These Kyros enjoyed and so he desireth thee to taste of them as well."
[A.9.27] And whenever fodder was exceedingly lacking, he would himself be able to procure some on account of having many attendants and good preparation, and, upon handing out the fodder, bid his friends to give it to the horses who carried them, lest the mounts go hungry while carrying his friends.
[A.9.28] If ever he was travelling and a great number of people were about to see him, he would call his friends together and speak in utter seriousness as to how he would show off those whom he honored. And so, at least according to what I hear, I judge no one hath been beloved by so very many, neither Hellene nor barbarian.
[A.9.29] And let this be the final say on the matter: even though Kyros was a slave, none abandoned him for the King, save the Orontas incident, and even that man quickly discovered that the one whom he thought was loyal to him was more devoted to Kyros than to him. And many deserted the King for Kyros when they became enemies, and although these were men most deeply cherished by the King, these worthies thought that at Kyros' side they might chance upon worthier honors than they would under the King.
[A.9.30] What happened to Kyros at the end of his life was a great indication that he was both an apt man and he was able to rightly judge the loyal, the kindly, and the constant.
[A.9.31] For upon his death, all his friends about him and his Table Companion died while fighting over him, with the exception of Ariaios -- he chanced to be posted on the left wing leading the cavalry, and when he learnt that Kyros had fallen, he fled at the head of the entire army he commanded.
[A.10.1] Thereupon Kyros' head and right hand were cut off. The King and his men, hot in pursuit, fell into Kyros' camp. Ariaios' men no longer stood their ground, but they flee through their own camp for the distance of a day whence they had started -- four parasangs of travel, all told.
[A.10.2] The King and his men were plundering much otherwise and he seized the Phokaian woman, Kyros' concubine, reported to be clever and lovely.
[A.10.3] However, the younger Milesian woman, after being taken by the King's men, ended up making good her escape while running naked towards some fully-armed Hellenes who happened to be posted in defence against the enemy; while they had slain many of the plunderers, some of them had died as well. But not did they flee of course, but instead they saved the woman and whatever came within their reach, wealth or wight alike, they saved all.
[A.10.4] Thereupon approximately thirty stades lay between the King and the Hellenes, the latter in pursuit of those in front of them and as if they themselves were victorious over all the enemy, while the King's men were plundering the baggage as if all of them were already victorious.
[A.10.5] And when the Hellenes learnt that the King and his army were in their baggage, and the King likewise in turn heard from Tissaphernes that the Hellenes had won over the forces in front of them and were continuing with the pursuit, then the King gathered his men and arranged them, while Klearkhos summoned Proxenos and took counsel with him (for he was the closest) as to whether he should send some or go all of them to the camp to offer aid.
[A.10.6] At this time, it appeared that the King was again approaching, as it seemed, from their rear. While the Hellenes turned and prepared to meet the King in the case of him advancing thence, the King, however, did not do so, but instead passed outside the left wing as he had done before and returned, picking up those who had deserted to the Hellenes in the battle as well as Tissaphernes and his men.
[A.10.7] For Tissaphernes did not flee at the first clash, but he marched alongside the river through the Hellenic peltasts, but in his march he killed no one; instead, the Hellenes, after creating an opening for him and his men, began to strike out and unleash their javelins upon them. Episthenes of Amphipolis commanded the peltasts and was said to be prudent.
[A.10.8] The result of this was that Tisssaphernes got the worst of it, and after eventually coming out of it, he did not wheel about again. Instead he arrived at the Hellenic camp and there met up with the King. Together they again reformed their lines and began advancing.
[A.10.9] And when they were against the original left wing of the Hellenes, the Hellenes grew fearful that they might advance against that wing and, after outflanking them on either side, cut them to pieces. It was seemly to them to draw the wing back and put the river in their rear.