Subject
Iran -- History -- To 640 Books
Best books
Arrian
The Anabasis of Alexander : $b or, The history of the wars and conquests of Alexander the Great
"The Anabasis of Alexander" by Arrian of Nicomedia is a military history composed in the second century AD. This seven-book account chronicles Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire between 336 and 323 BC, from his accession to the Macedonian throne through his death. Drawing on lost sources from Alexander's companions, Arrian presents the fullest surviving narrative of these legendary campaigns, including famous battles at Granicus, Issus, and Gaugamela, sieges across Asia, and the ambitious push into India that ultimately ended at the Hyphasis river.
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.
Procopius
History of the Wars, Books V and VI: The Gothic War
"History of the Wars, Books V and VI: The Gothic War" by Procopius is a historical account written in the early 6th century. This work offers a detailed narrative of the Gothic War, focusing on the encounters between the Romans and the Goths during the decline of the Western Roman Empire. The text portrays the political and military dynamics leading to the rise of barbarian leaders like Odoacer and Theoderic, as well as the eventual shifts in power that shaped Italy's history. The opening of the narrative introduces the backdrop of the Gothic War, detailing the significant events that precede the conflict, including the alliances formed and the fate of Roman leaders. Procopius sets the stage by discussing the roles of pivotal figures like the young emperor Augustulus and the Gothic chieftains, leading into the tensions that culminate in warfare. We see Theoderic's ascent as he strategizes under the guidance of emperor Zeno, launching an invasion to reclaim Italy from Odoacer. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the military maneuvers, the sieges of cities, and the political intrigues, culminating in Theoderic's rise and the complexities of Roman-Gothic relations that would characterize the chaotic period ahead.
Procopius
History of the Wars, Books I and II: The Persian War
"History of the Wars, Books I and II: The Persian War" by Procopius is a historical account written in the early 6th century. This work details the military campaigns of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian against various enemies, particularly focusing on the wars against the Persians. Procopius, who was a contemporary of these events and served as an adviser to the general Belisarius, provides first-hand insights into the strategies and outcomes of these significant conflicts. The opening of this historical narrative establishes Procopius's credentials as a historian with a unique perspective on the events he recounts. He emphasizes the importance of documenting these wars—not merely for the sake of history, but as a resource for future generations engaged in similar struggles. In the initial sections, Procopius outlines the context of Roman-Persian relations, highlighting key historical figures such as the Emperor Theodosius, and introduces notable battles and political maneuvers throughout various conflicts. The text begins detailing the complexities of these interactions and lays the groundwork for a more in-depth exploration of the wars that will follow in subsequent chapters.
Procopius
History of the Wars, Books III and IV: The Vandalic War
"History of the Wars, Books III and IV: The Vandalic War" by Procopius is a historical account written in the 6th century. This work explores the conflicts between the Roman Empire and the Vandals, detailing the political and military events surrounding the Vandalic War. The narrative delves into the ambitions of key players, including Emperor Justinian and various leaders of the Vandal tribes. The opening of the text sets the stage for the discussion of the Vandalic War by describing the historical context leading to the conflict. Procopius begins with an overview of the Roman Empire's division and the emergence of various barbarian tribes, particularly focusing on the Vandals' migration and eventual settlement in Roman territories. He recounts the initial interactions between the Vandals and the Roman Empire, painting a picture of the deteriorating political landscape that ultimately leads to warfare. Through detailed accounts of pivotal events, such as the fall of cities and the plundering of Rome, Procopius illustrates the destructive impact of the Vandal incursions and foreshadows the broader consequences for the Roman power structure.
George Grote
The Two Great Retreats of History
"The Two Great Retreats of History" by George Grote and comte de Philippe-Paul Ségur is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on two significant military retreats: the Retreat of the Ten Thousand Greeks after the death of Cyrus the Younger and Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow. Through detailed narratives, the book explores themes of leadership, survival, and the dynamics of power in ancient Persian and early 19th-century contexts, highlighting the resilience and determination of the soldiers involved. At the start of the narrative, the attention is drawn to the background of Cyrus the Younger, the Persian prince whose ambitions lead to the pivotal conflict at Kunaxa. The opening section describes the initial stages of the Greek mercenaries' journey under Cyrus, detailing their motivations and the unfolding events that lead to their unexpected situation after his death. As the Greeks grapple with their desolate predicament in enemy territory, they face numerous challenges, including dwindling supplies and the threat of the Persian forces. The selections from Grote and Ségur set the stage for exploring not only the external challenges faced by the troops but also the internal dynamics and experiences that define their journey towards home and survival.
Xenophon
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.
C. (Carl) Witt
The retreat of the ten thousand
"The Retreat of the Ten Thousand" by C. Witt and Xenophon is an ancient Greek account written around 370 BC. It tells the story of ten thousand Greek mercenaries stranded deep in Persia after their employer, Cyrus the Younger, dies in battle against his brother. With their leaders killed by treachery, the soldiers must fight their way north through hostile territory, treacherous mountains, and foodless deserts to reach the safety of the Black Sea. Their desperate journey becomes one of history's greatest survival adventures.
Xenophon
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.
Jacob Abbott
Xerxes Makers of History
"Xerxes" by Jacob Abbott is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. It is part of a series titled "Makers of History," which focuses on significant historical figures and their influence on society. The book specifically delves into the life of Xerxes, the Persian monarch, exploring his lineage, key events leading to his reign, and the political dynamics of his time, particularly regarding Greece and Egypt. The opening portion introduces readers to Xerxes' backstory, starting with his mother, Atossa, and the lineage of Persian kings. It highlights the ambitions and complexities of rulers in ancient times, illustrating how personal desires for power often intersect with the greater narratives of history. The chapter details significant moments such as Cambyses's reckless reign and the consequences of his actions, before leading into discussions of Xerxes's rise to power, the political maneuvering for the throne, and early plans for military campaigns against Greece and Egypt. This exploration sets the stage for understanding the motivations behind his decisions and the historical significance of his reign.
Xenophon
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.
Xenophon
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.
Recently surfaced classics