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

Excellently Read, Great Story

This story is read with clairty and excitement. You quickly learn why the story influenced Alexander the Great and all ancient military commanders. An army against all odds bravely retreating through hostile territory. It combines the heroicism of battle and inhumanity violent raids against helpless countryside people. A book that makes you admire war and how we should avoid it at all costs.

A Lesson in Leadership

This is a translation of Xenophon's book "Anabasis" of his 401 B.C. participation as a mercenary in the army of Cyrus. Cyrus hired Greek mercenary to add to his Persian army to fight his brother King Artaxerxes II of Persia for the throne. He told the Greek he was going against the Pisidians. Cyrus was killed at the Battle of Canaxa. The Ten Thousand mercenaries found themselves without leadership far from the sea, deep in hostile territory near the heart of Mesopotamia. Xenophan was elected as one of the leaders and they fought their way north through hostile country chased by the Persian Army to the Black Sea then to Greece. His book records the entire expedition and his speeches to the soldiers and his reasons for each of the action they told. Great lessons in leadership and tactics. If you enjoy history this is a must book. Alexander used the book as a guide through the area. The description of the land in 401 B.C. is great. Charlton Griffin did a great job reading the book and pronouncing all the words.

Excellent story in a powerful voice

Highly recommend this version of Xenophon's Anabasis. The chosen translation is sensible, the narrator's voice is deep and involving, and above all, the story is gripping and full of adventures. Occasionally, consulting a map online or a looking for a list of characters might be helpful, but that does not hinder at all the enjoyment of the book.

Excellent read.

One of the best audio books I have ever read. If you fancy adventure and history. this hits both right on the head.

Great

Great story, well read and well written/translated. It is a classic for a reason! Don't think about just get it and listen.

Great performance and story

Can’t give less than 5 stars considering it’s such an old historical work and mainly is written to record the march not necessarily to keep the reader entertained, yet it’s entertaining

Eyewitness to History

I have always wanted toread this book but never found the time until I could take advantage of my automobile driving time with audible books. This was really worth it! The immediacy of the account made me feel like I was right there as it was happenning and I began to feel like I knew many of the characters personally, especially Xenophon but also Prince Cyrus. I thought the reader was a little harsh but gradually I got over it by picturing him as Xenophon as an old man telling the story of his great adventure, the march "upcountry".

The most Greek ending

Who are these people in these reviews calling Xenophon a great leader of men? The last hour of this thing was just Xenophon bitching about getting paid--which is the most greek thing ever. (If you don't believe me, you weren't paying attention during the Iliad.)

Great History Made Dull

Xenophon is a fascinating, lively author writing about very interesting times indeed. As for the reader, imagine Shakespeare being read by someone who didn't like or understand it but wanted to speak clearly. He did not convey a sense that he cared about his subject matter or wished to bother trying to convey it in a manner that would draw in the listener.