Why did Xenophon fight for Sparta at the Battle of Coronea?

Xenophon’s decision to fight for Sparta at the Battle of Coronea in 394 BCE was the result of his close association with the Spartan military and his admiration for its leadership, particularly King Agesilaus II.1

Following his service as a commander of the Greek mercenary force known as the Ten Thousand, Xenophon became deeply involved with senior Spartan figures. By the time a coalition of Greek states—including his native Athens—rebelled against Spartan hegemony during the Corinthian War, Xenophon had already established strong ties to the Spartan cause.12

His alignment with Sparta was so significant that it led to his formal exile from Athens. During his subsequent years in exile, he lived in Scillus under Spartan protection, served as a representative for Sparta at Olympia, and even sent his sons to be educated in the Spartan tradition.1