Overview of Xenophon's Hellenica

• Xenophon was an Athenian historian, military leader, and philosopher. His work, 'Hellenica', picks up the account of the Peloponnesian War where Thucydides’ account ends.
• 'Hellenica' serves as the main historical account of Greece from 411 BC to 362 BC, covering events such as the final years of the Peloponnesian War, the Persian War, and the Theban supremacy.
• Unlike Thucydides, Xenophon was not solely an impartial observer, his historical narrative is also influenced by his own experiences and roles in the events he describes, such as the March of the Ten Thousand.

Structure and Content

• 'Hellenica' is composed of seven books that vary in size and narrative focus.
• The first two books cover the closing years of the Peloponnesian War where Thucydides’ account breaks off, specifically, the period from 411 BC to 404 BC.
• The rest of the books trace the history of Sparta's dominance, its struggle with Persia, and its rivalry with Thebes leading to the noteworthy Battle of Leuctra.
• Xenophon provides a detailed account of the March of the Ten Thousand, a Greek mercenary army with whom he served, which reveals his first-hand experiences as a military leader.

Xenophon's Historical Methodology

• Xenophon’s writing is known for its simplicity and clarity, which often conceals the complexity of the historical events he is portraying.
• Unlike Thucydides, Xenophon intermingles moral judgement and his own personal view with historical facts, reflecting his philosophical engagement with Socratic ideas.
• A characteristic feature of 'Hellenica' is the incorporation of set-piece speeches, though not as philosophical as Thucydides’, revealing the virtues and values he admired.

Criticisms and Influence

• Some historians accuse Xenophon of being pro-Spartan and anti-democratic due to his admiration for hierarchical and militaristic regimes and his role as a mercenary leader for Cyrus the Younger against the Persians.
• His objectivity as a historian is often questioned due to the obvious personal bias and moral judgement he includes in his narration.
• Despite these criticisms, Xenophon's 'Hellenica' is an invaluable source for studying the history of Greece during the fourth century BC, contributing significantly to our understanding of Greek history post Peloponnesian War.
• His inclusion of tactical and strategic details offers valuable insights for military historians, reflecting his own experiences and expertise in military affairs.