Anabasis, Part 1, Part V summary
Part 1, Part V of 56 · Book 1 · 9 min to read the part
In V, Clearchus tries to end mutual suspicion by meeting Tissaphernes and accepting his invitation to bring the Greek officers to a further discussion. The generals are seized and the captains attacked, leaving the Hellenes alarmed and confronting a royal demand for their weapons while Xenophon requests the return of Proxenus and Menon.
What happens
- At the Zapatas, Clearchus argues that sacred oaths and mutual advantage should make the Hellenes and Tissaphernes trust each other.
- Tissaphernes claims that Persian military advantages make treachery unnecessary and offers to identify those spreading accusations.
- Despite soldiers’ objections, Clearchus brings five generals, twenty captains, and about two hundred soldiers to the meeting.
- The generals are seized indoors, the captains outside are attacked, and horsemen kill Hellenes across the plain.
- The wounded Nicarchus brings news to camp, and the Hellenes take up arms as Persian representatives approach.
- Ariaeus announces Clearchus’s death and demands the army’s weapons; Cleanor condemns the betrayal, while Xenophon asks for Proxenus and Menon.
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In this part
What to notice
The coordinated attack overturns the assurances exchanged in the meeting. It separates the army from its invited officers and turns suspicion into open danger.
Quick check
What does Xenophon ask the Persian representatives to do?
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