Anabasis, Part 1, no. 21, Part III summary

What happens

1. The soldiers burn wagons, tents, and surplus belongings before Mithridates approaches with claims of friendship.
2. The generals recognize his deception and decide against truces or heralds while in enemy territory.
3. After the army crosses the Zapatas River, Mithridates attacks with cavalry, bowmen, and slingers.
4. Xenophon leads an unsuccessful pursuit, and the army reaches villages after advancing only about three miles.
5. Rebuked by the generals, Xenophon acknowledges his mistake and proposes recruiting slingers and cavalry.
6. Two hundred slingers enlist that night; fifty mounted men qualify the next day, with Lycius appointed their commander.

In this part

What to notice

Xenophon identifies the army’s immediate tactical need. The approved recruitment directly answers the weaknesses revealed by the attack.

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