The March of the Ten Thousand

By: Xenophon

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Translated by W. E. D. Rouse, The March of the Ten Thousand is one of the most admired and widely read pieces of ancient literature to come down to us. Xenophon employs a very simple, straightforward style to describe what is probably the most exciting military adventure ever undertaken. When Cyrus, brother to the Great King of Persia, attempts to overthrow his feckless sibling in 401 B.C., he employs a Greek mercenary army of 10,000 hoplites as the core of his rebellious force. Xenophon, who seeks the advice of Socrates before joining, is among the common soldiers. Inexorably, Cyrus and his huge army march southward 1,500 miles from the coast of Ionia all the way to Babylon, and there give battle to Artaxerxes, the Great King. Although the battle is soon decided in favor of Cyrus, the would-be usurper is killed while in pursuit of the king. Meanwhile, the Greeks are victorious on their part of the battlefield and await the return of Cyrus and his instructions.

By the next morning, they realize that Cyrus is dead and that his allies have melted away in the night, leaving them alone trapped behind enemy lines within a few miles of the Persian capital. And only a few miles distant lies an enormous Persian army with vengeance in mind. Despair deepens when the Greek officer corps is treacherously murdered during peace talks. Alone, leaderless and hopelessly outnumbered, the Greeks nevertheless elect new officers.

Xenophon steps into the pages of history with his magnificent rallying speeches and selfless acts of courage. Follow one of history's most spirited bands of soldiers as they fight and maneuver their way through 1,500 miles of hostile territory seething with adversaries. It is an epic of courage, faith and democratic principle.

Copyright © Audio Connoisseur 2003

Excellent

As good as I hoped it would be. Ancient classic, 1800s translation, British narrator.

This is an incredible price of working literature

What’s not to like? A first hand account of antiquity. From being one of the main sources for Sparta’s culture and society, to being the father of rear guard tactics and a prominent orator as a student of Socrates. Xenophon is by far the greatest general to precede Alexander the Great whom himself used Xenophon’s writings as his field guide. This should be all the testament needed to cement Xenophon as one of history’s most important sources for cultural and societal understanding from a first hand account in classic antiquity. This is a must to read. Charlton Griffin does justice in being our narrator for apart of Xenophon’s life and career.

Simply a must

This book was the first Ancient history audiobook I ever downloaded from here and it completely opened my eyes to how interesting and captivating an audiobook of a beautifully written, insightful (you get a real feeling for Xenophon the man) book could be. I've since downloaded many other classics from here, but none so far has matched this book. I'm really happy I've had a chance to "read" this book, a book that I probably would never have picked off a library shelf.
...and my 6 year old daughter loves the fact that Xenophon and the Greeks complained about having to go and see the Persian king "without breakfast"

Worth your time

This was a really fun read. The narrative moved along at a good pace; it never felt slow or boring. It gives the reader an excellent insight into the mind of the ancient Greek--his sense of honor, his relationship with his gods, and his way of war. It was interesting to see how the traveling army interacted with different cultures that it met. The narrator was good, which is important. The music between books didn't really add anything of value. But this is highly recommended for history fans.

Excellent insight on leadership

I found this book on accident when I found out it was the inspiration for "The Warriors". I debated on whether to download it but it has become one of my favorite books. The reader who wants an engaging story will not be dissapointed. However the true brilliance of this book lies in how Xenophon shows great use of reason and leadership in the face of extreme trials. If anyone is a project manager or has any interest in being a good leader this book is more useful than The Art of War.

Excellent Translation

Great Reader, and Xenophon is always entertaining. The March is one of the great classics in history for a reason.

EXCELLENT

Great story - and the basis for the 1979 cult classic movie "The Warriors." Xenophon's original version is far more interesting and exciting.

Great Book, excellent audio

There is a reason why Machiavelli and other modern political philosophers love Xenophon; he is the most modern of the ancients: Xenophon examines the nature of politics and war from the perspective of a man of action rather than from a Platonic idealistic view. That is not to say that the book lacks a philosophical perspective -- it is deeply philosophic -- just not idealistic. Rather than arguing for abstract theories of morality, Xenophon shows you war from the perspectives of those involved in it. He also examines the motives for war, retreat, peace, and the nature of loyality, justice, and the role of the Gods in war. He can be read for pure pleasure, and read for insights into politics and the nature of man, conflict, war, peace, and the nature of the philosopher's relationship to politics.

Phenomenal story, terrible narration

Epic story of xenophon's March of the Ten Thousand. Narrator made the story unnecessarily difficult to follow at time, wasn't narrating so much as simply reading a book. Otherwise a must for any fan of classic greco-persian literature.

Interesting First Person Account

It's interesting to hear the ancient world described by somebody who was present. The perspective, and the attitude is different from that of a modern historian.