Els Deu Mil

A young Athenian named Xenophon, son of Grilos, spends his early years wandering the streets of his city, where a chance encounter with Socrates changes his outlook. The philosopher’s simple yet probing questions push the restless youth toward a life guided by virtue and duty, setting the stage for a path that soon diverges from ordinary Athenian pursuits.

When the Persian satrap Cyrus begins to plot a daring campaign against his brother, the king, Xenophon is drawn into the fold. Encouraged by Socrates to trust the gods and seek counsel from the oracle, he leaves Athens with a band of ten thousand mercenaries, many of them Spartans, embarking on a perilous march into unfamiliar lands.

The opening of this classic work follows the expedition’s early trials—rallying troops, navigating hostile terrain, and confronting the clash of cultures. Listeners will experience the blend of personal ambition, camaraderie, and the stark realities of ancient warfare, all filtered through Xenophon’s keen eye for both strategy and human character.