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What journey does Xenophon describe in Anabasis?
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Greek literature
A map shows the major regions and cities of ancient Greece.
In his work Anabasis, Xenophon chronicles the expedition and subsequent retreat of a group of Greek mercenary soldiers, famously known as the "Ten Thousand".12
The journey began as these soldiers joined Cyrus the Younger in his attempt to seize the Persian throne from his brother, Artaxerxes II. Following Cyrusâs death at the Battle of Cunaxa in 401 BCE and the treacherous seizure of their commanders, the stranded Greek forces were forced to undertake a perilous trek.13
Xenophon, who accompanied the force, provides a detailed account of their long retreat from near Babylon to the Euxine, or Black Sea. The narrative highlights the resourcefulness and leadership required to navigate this successful withdrawal through hostile territory.132