Agesilaus

by Xenophon

"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.