I am currently reading the book, "The Ten Thousand" by Michael Curtis Ford, and if he has done his historical research correctly, I feel Xenophon was a great, brave and tactical soldier. According to the words of Micheal C. Ford, Xenophon as a child was nothing near a soldier that he is portrayed in the March of the 10,000. His name then was Aedon, and was known around Athens as an amazing singer, even by the most renowned citizens and artists, for he had sung at a few of his father's banquets. His father, Gryllus, a soldier in the Peloponnesian War, was always a bit disgusted at his son, for he was not strong and had no hint of a warrior's spirit within him and not only did his father dispise Aedon, but Aedon dispised him. It was at this time that his father had started training him in the art of Pancration (wrestling) with Antinous. After a near fatal match between Aedon and Antinous' "Boy", the training ended. It was then 2 years later when Gryllus left on a diplomatic mission, that he left Aedon in charge of their house. A thief stumbled in and Aedon met him in the darkness. A battle arose between the two and Aedon killed his opponent with the new Xiphos his father had handed down to him, but Aedon also sustained a seroius wound to his side. When the household found the dead thief, it was "Boy" seeking to kill Aedon. Theo, Aedon's squire, then said that it was that night that Aedon died and Xenophon was born.

Later in the book it tells of Xenophon and Theo's adventure to Delphi to ask the Oracle if they should join Cyrus' army of mercenaries in Asia Minor. They do of course join Cyrus' army and the march, but are deceived by Cyrus when he confesses he seeks the thrown of Persia by killing his brother. But Cyrus is killed by his brother Artaxerxes in a large battle and Cyrus' armies disband, some joining the Persian Army. The 10,000 Greek soldiers then decide to leave and find their way home, but with much trouble and strife. Through the journey, all their officers are deceived by Persian officers and killed in a "Peace Parley". Xenophon takes command and leads the army away from Persian forces. Through his journey, he discovers the great asset of Rhodians to the Greek army and uses their Slingers with decisive effect.

I am not through reading this book, but I do recommend it to all who have such interests as I do. I've also read the Iliad and Odyssey, as well as the great book "Tides of War" by Steven Pressfield. Next, I will read Pressfield's highly recommended "Gates of Fire", which will become a movie within the next year or so.

To finish off my post, I do feel Xenophon was a hero of Greece and a wise and great General. I do now know how my book will end but when it does, i'm sure to post the ending.