Xenophon and the Greek host begin their march north, out of the Persian king's territory, through the icy highlands of Armenia, until at last, from a mountain, they catch sight of "the sea! the sea!" So how do the demands of the terrain and weather impose necessities on the Greeks, and how does Xenophon deal with these necessities? Is this easier, or harder, than Continue Reading …
Combat & Classics Ep. 52 Xenophon’s “Anabasis” Book 2
At the beginning of Book 2, Cyrus is dead, but the Greeks are victorious. By the end of Book 2, every Greek general is dead through Tissaphernes' treachery. How did this happen? What does this have to do with Clearchus, the de facto Greek general, and in particular with his piety? And what is the hidden meaning of... palm trees? Join us for the Continue Reading …
Combat & Classics Ep. 51 Xenophon’s “Anabasis” Book 1
Brian, Shilo, and Jeff start their reading of Xenophon's great adventure story, "The Anabasis" -- or "Ascent" -- "of Cyrus." We have a new Cyrus; is he the same as the old Cyrus? How is Cyrus the Younger different from Cyrus the Great? (Is he Cyrus the not-so-Great?) And whose ascent is Xenophon's title talking about, since Cyrus the not-so-Great (spoiler Continue Reading …