The First Four Books of Xenophon's Anabasis

This translation offers a clear, line‑by‑line rendering of Xenophon’s classic account of a daring Persian civil war and the Greek soldiers caught up in it. The accompanying notes help listeners follow the ancient names, geography, and military terms without getting lost in the details. It provides a faithful window into the world of 5th‑century BCE Persia and the mercenary culture that linked East and West.

The story opens with the ambitious younger son of King Darius, who, after a fraught succession, begins to plot against his brother Artaxerxes. Secretly gathering a force of seasoned Greek hoplites and local allies, he prepares an expedition that will carry his army across hostile terrain toward the heart of the empire. As the march progresses, the listener hears the soldiers’ camaraderie, the challenges of supply and loyalty, and the mounting tension before the inevitable clash at Cunaxa.