The First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis

by Xenophon

"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.