The retreat of the ten thousand

"The Retreat of the Ten Thousand" by C. Witt and Xenophon is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the famed journey of a Greek mercenary army, often referred to as the Ten Thousand, who fought for Cyrus the Younger in his quest for the Persian throne. This remarkable tale details their challenging retreat across hostile territory after Cyrus's unexpected death and the subsequent struggles they faced. The opening of the narrative sets the historical context by introducing the grandeur of the Persian Empire and its rulers, notably the Great King, Darius II, and the rivalry between his sons, Artaxerxes and Cyrus. It discusses the luxuries and challenges of Persian court life, as well as the Greek perspective on their own struggles for freedom and honor against a backdrop of wealthy despots. The stage is laid for the dramatic events to unfold, highlighting the resilience, bravery, and complexities of the characters involved, particularly focusing on Cyrus’s ambitions and the loyalty of his Greek soldiers who ultimately participate in a perilous journey that will test their mettle.