Author
Xenophon
-431--355
Xenophon (-431--355) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Xenophon
Anabasis
"Anabasis" by Xenophon is a historical account written around 370 BC. It chronicles the harrowing journey of ten thousand Greek mercenaries stranded deep in Persia after their employer, Cyrus the Younger, dies attempting to seize the throne. Betrayed and leaderless in hostile territory, the Greeks must fight their way north through deserts and mountains toward the Black Sea. Xenophon, elected as one of their leaders, recounts this epic march for survival—a tale that became one of history's greatest adventures and inspired military leaders for generations.
Hellenica
"Hellenica" by Xenophon is a history written between approximately 362-356 BC. This work continues where Thucydides left off, chronicling Greek history from 411 to 362 BC through the final years of the Peloponnesian War and its turbulent aftermath. Xenophon narrates the power struggle between Athens and Sparta, the clash between democracy and oligarchy, and the shifting dominance of Greek city-states. The narrative ends with the Battle of Mantineia, leaving Greece in chaos and uncertainty, with history's next chapter yet unwritten.
The Economist
"The Economist" by Xenophon is a Socratic dialogue written around 362 BC. It explores household management and agriculture through conversations between Socrates and two Athenians. The work examines what constitutes true wealth, the art of managing property and slaves, and the education of wives. Through the gentleman-farmer Ischomachus, Xenophon presents ideas about gender roles, rural life, and leadership that have sparked debate among scholars—some viewing the text as patriarchal, others seeing proto-feminist elements, and many detecting layers of irony throughout.
Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus
"Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus" by Xenophon is a partly fictional biography written around 370 BC. It chronicles the education and rise of Cyrus the Great, founder of Persia's Achaemenid Empire. Through battles, strategic innovations, and leadership lessons, Xenophon presents an ideal ruler navigating the complexities of building an unprecedented empire. Blending political instruction with narrative storytelling, the work became a foundational text influencing medieval mirrors-for-princes literature and ultimately shaping modern political thought through its impact on Machiavelli's "The Prince."
The Memorabilia
"The Memorabilia" by Xenophon is a collection of Socratic dialogues probably completed after 371 BC. This defense of Socrates offers edifying examples of his conversations and activities, countering charges of impiety and corrupting youth. Unlike Plato's philosophical inquiries, Xenophon presents a practical Socrates who emphasizes self-control and benefits friends through down-to-earth advice. The work profoundly influenced Cynic and Stoic philosophy, featuring early examples of the Argument from Design and Natural Law theory.
The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians
"The Polity of the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians" by Xenophon is a historical account likely written in the 4th century BC. The work examines and compares the governing structures and societal institutions of Athens and Sparta, two prominent city-states of ancient Greece. It delves into the nature of Athenian democracy and Spartan oligarchy, highlighting how each polity functions and the roles of different classes within their respective societies. At the start of the text, Xenophon outlines his intention to analyze the Athenian political system, expressing reservations about its democratic foundations that favor the lower classes at the expense of the elite. He argues that the strength of the Athenian navy is rooted in the contributions of its poorer citizens, who play a vital role in the city’s defense and prosperity. He discusses how Athens operates on principles that allow broad participation in governance while also addressing the balance of powers. This initial portion sets the stage for a rigorous exploration of both Athens' democratic practices and Sparta's strict militaristic regime, emphasizing concepts like social justice, political stability, and the importance of class dynamics within each city-state.
The Apology
"The Apology" by Xenophon is a Socratic dialogue written about the trial of Socrates in 399 BC. The work presents Socrates's legal defense against charges of corrupting Athenian youth and impiety. Based on accounts from Hermogenes, who attended the trial, Xenophon portrays Socrates's boastful speaking manner as deliberate strategy. The philosopher argues that death is preferable to senility and humbling oneself before unjust persecution. This interpretation contrasts notably with Plato's more famous account of the same trial.
On Horsemanship
"On Horsemanship" by Xenophon is a treatise written around 355 BC. This ancient Greek guide offers practical wisdom on selecting, training, and caring for horses. Xenophon examines everything from evaluating a young colt's conformation to breaking horses with patience rather than punishment. His advice on soundness, temperament, and proper training methods reveals a remarkably humane approach that resonates with modern horsemanship principles, making this one of the earliest and most influential works on equestrian arts.
The Symposium
"The Symposium" by Xenophon is a Socratic dialogue written in the late 360s B.C. Set at an aristocratic dinner party in 422 B.C., the work follows Socrates and his companions as they gather to honor a young athletic victor. Between acrobatic performances and jesting, the guests engage in playful yet philosophical discussions about what they value most—from beauty and matchmaking to poverty and divine favor. Beneath the witty banter lies deeper exploration of wisdom, virtue, and desire, while the assembled company harbors ironies that contemporary readers would have recognized.
The Sportsman: On Hunting, a Sportsman's Manual, Commonly Called Cynegeticus
"The Sportsman: On Hunting, a Sportsman's Manual, Commonly Called Cynegeticus" by Xenophon is a treatise written in ancient Greece. This practical manual guides hunters through the pursuit of game, from hares to wild boars and beyond. Xenophon details everything from selecting and training hounds to proper equipment and seasonal strategies. Yet hunting here means more than sport—it shapes character, sharpens the senses, and prepares men for war. The work blends technical instruction with philosophical reflection on virtue, discipline, and excellence.
Hiero
"Hiero" by Xenophon is a dialogue written around 474 BC. Set as a conversation between Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse, and the poet Simonides, it explores whether a tyrant's life is truly more pleasant than a commoner's. Drawing from experience in both positions, Hiero challenges common assumptions about power and happiness, revealing the hidden miseries of tyranny—the violence, fear, and impossible longing for genuine love and praise that trap rulers in their positions.
Agesilaus
"Agesilaus" by Xenophon is a posthumous biography written shortly after 360-359 BC. This ancient Greek encomium celebrates Agesilaus II, the Spartan king who served as Xenophon's patron. Written by someone who fought alongside his subject, the work portrays Agesilaus as a brilliant military tactician and moral exemplar. Through accounts of battles, strategic victories, and personal conduct, Xenophon explores Greek ideals of leadership, virtue, and excellence, presenting the Spartan ruler as the perfect embodiment of these values.
On Revenues
"On Revenues" by Xenophon is an essay written in 355 BC. Addressed to Athens's Council of Five Hundred after the city's defeat in the Social War, this work proposes economic reforms to rescue Athens from financial ruin. Xenophon argues that Athens can sustain itself through peaceful trade and commerce rather than warfare and empire. His proposals include attracting foreign residents, expanding silver mining operations, and establishing Athens as a commercial center—a vision for prosperity through peace rather than conquest.
The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates
"The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates" by Xenophon is a collection of Socratic dialogues written after 371 BC. This work presents Xenophon's defense of his teacher Socrates, who faced charges of impiety and corrupting youth in Athens. Through short episodes and conversations, Xenophon portrays Socrates offering practical wisdom to friends and fellow Athenians, demonstrating his piety, self-control, and beneficial influence. The work significantly shaped Cynic and Stoic philosophy in ancient times.
The Cavalry General
"The Cavalry General" by Xenophon is a treatise written around 350 BC. This ancient Greek military manual focuses on the duties and responsibilities of the cavalry commander, known as the hipparchus. Written by a soldier and historian with firsthand experience, it offers practical guidance on leading mounted forces in battle. For centuries, it stood as the earliest known work on horsemanship until an even older Hittite text was discovered in 1931.
The First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis
"The First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis" by Xenophon is a historical account written around 370 BC. It chronicles the ill-fated expedition of Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger to seize Persia's throne in 401 BC. After Cyrus dies in battle and their commanders are treacherously killed, ten thousand Greek soldiers find themselves stranded deep in hostile territory. Led by Xenophon, they must fight their way north through deserts, mountains, and enemy attacks toward the Black Sea and safety—an epic survival story and one of history's great adventures.
Las Helénicas; ó, Historia griega desde el año 411 hasta el 362 antes de Jesucristo
"Las Helénicas" by Xenophon is a historical work written between 411 and 354 BCE. This chronicle covers pivotal events in ancient Greece, continuing where Thucydides' unfinished history ended. Xenophon narrates the final years of the Peloponnesian War, Athens' defeat and subsequent tyranny, Sparta's rise to dominance, and the eventual shift of power to Thebes. Through major battles, political intrigues, and shifting alliances, the work captures a turbulent half-century that reshaped the Greek world.
Expédition des dix mille
"Expédition des dix mille" by Xenophon is an account written around 370 BC. It chronicles the harrowing journey of ten thousand Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger to seize Persia's throne in 401 BC. After Cyrus dies in battle and their leaders are treacherously killed, the stranded soldiers must fight their way north through hostile territory toward the Black Sea. Xenophon emerges as one of their elected leaders, guiding this "marching republic" through deserts and mountains in one of history's greatest military adventures.
Κύρου Ανάβασις Τόμος 1
"Κύρου Ανάβασις Τόμος 1" by Xenophon is an ancient Greek historical work composed around 370 BC. It recounts the expedition of ten thousand Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger to seize Persia's throne from his brother in 401 BC. After Cyrus dies in battle and their generals are treacherously killed, the Greeks find themselves stranded deep in hostile territory. Xenophon chronicles their desperate march north through deserts and mountains toward the Black Sea, fighting enemies and making life-or-death decisions as they struggle to reach safety.
Κύρου Ανάβασις Τόμος 2
"Κύρου Ανάβασις Τόμος 2" by Xenophon is a historical account composed around 370 BC. This volume continues the harrowing story of the Ten Thousand, Greek mercenaries stranded deep in Persia after their employer Cyrus the Younger dies in battle. Led by Xenophon, these soldiers must fight their way north through hostile territory, treacherous mountain passes, and foodless deserts toward the Black Sea. Abandoned without supplies and hunted by the Persian King's army, this "marching republic" faces impossible odds in one of history's greatest survival stories.
The Project Gutenberg Works of Xenophon: An Index
"The Project Gutenberg Works of Xenophon: An Index" by Xenophon is a collection of works and writings organized in an index format, compiled and edited in the early 21st century. This book serves as a reference guide to the various texts authored by Xenophon, a significant figure in ancient Greek literature and philosophy, whose works were primarily produced during the 4th century BC. The likely topic of the book revolves around the exploration of themes such as politics, philosophy, and history, as reflected in Xenophon's diverse writings. The index contains summaries and titles of Xenophon's notable works, including "Anabasis," which details his journey with Greek mercenaries through Persia, and "The Memorabilia," a collection of Socratic dialogues. Other entries summarize treatises on various aspects of governance, military strategy, and agriculture, showcasing Xenophon's interests and expertise. This compilation aids readers and scholars in navigating the breadth of Xenophon's contributions to literature and thought, providing a valuable resource for understanding his impact on both historical and philosophical contexts.
Els Deu Mil And Vida D'artaxerxes, Per Plutarc
"Els Deu Mil" by Xenophon is a historical account written in the late 4th century BC. The narrative explores the journey and military campaigns of Xenophon and the Greek mercenaries, known as the "Deu Mil" or "Ten Thousand," as they fight for Cyrus the Younger against his brother, Artaxerxes, in the Persian Empire. As a soldier and student of Socrates, Xenophon provides insights into leadership, loyalty, and the experiences of mercenary soldiers in a tumultuous era. The opening of the book introduces Xenophon and sets the stage for the epic journey of the Ten Thousand. It highlights Xenophon's background and his significant influences, particularly his relationship with Socrates and his decision to join the expedition led by Cyrus the Younger. The text describes the political intrigue of the time, including Cyrus's secret preparations for war against his brother and the recruitment of Greek mercenaries. As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to key players in this dramatic military campaign, setting the tone for the adventures and challenges that the Ten Thousand will face in the Persian landscape.