On Revenues

Xenophon, the seasoned Athenian soldier‑philosopher, turns his sharp eye to the restless streets of his homeland. In this concise pamphlet he asks whether the poverty that fuels injustice toward Athens’s allies can be eased by tapping the wealth already lying beneath Attica. He frames the problem not as a moral failing but as a practical crisis, hoping that a self‑sufficient economy will restore both confidence and fairness. The opening sections lay out his belief that a state’s character mirrors its constitution, setting a clear, reasoned tone for the inquiry.

Drawing on vivid observations of the land’s climate, crops, and mineral riches, Xenophon maps out the natural bounty of marble, silver and fertile fields that surround the city. He points out how the region’s gentle weather yields longer harvests, while the coast’s abundant sea offers additional sustenance. By describing these advantages in plain language, he builds a persuasive case that Athens could, in theory, support its citizens from its own soil, offering a pragmatic antidote to the hardships of the day.