March of the Ten Thousand: What Happened
In 401 BC, around 10,000 Greek mercenaries joined an attempt by the Persian prince Cyrus the Younger to overthrow his brother, King Artaxerxes II. They marched deep into the Persian Empire and fought at the Battle of Cunaxa, near Babylon. The Greeks defeated the troops in front of them, but Cyrus was killed, leaving them stranded more than 1,500 kilometers from home in hostile territory. Soon after, their generals were lured to a meeting under a truce and executed. The soldiers elected new leaders, including a young Athenian named Xenophon, and began an extraordinary fighting retreat. They marched north through the mountains of Kurdistan and Armenia, battling hostile tribes, snow and hunger. When they finally caught sight of the Black Sea near Trapezus, the soldiers shouted Thalatta, thalatta, meaning The sea, the sea. Most of the army eventually made it back to the Greek world. Xenophon told the story in his Anabasis. The expedition showed how powerful Greek infantry was and how vulnerable Persia might be, an idea Alexander the Great would later prove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the March of the Ten Thousand?
The March of the Ten Thousand was the retreat of around 10,000 Greek mercenaries from deep inside the Persian Empire to the Black Sea in 401 to 399 BC, after their employer Cyrus the Younger was killed.
Who was Xenophon?
Xenophon was an Athenian soldier and writer who helped lead the retreat of the Ten Thousand and told the story in his book the Anabasis. He also wrote histories and works about Socrates.
What happened at the Battle of Cunaxa?
At Cunaxa, near Babylon, Cyrus the Younger fought his brother Artaxerxes II for the Persian throne. The Greek mercenaries won their part of the battle, but Cyrus was killed.
What does Thalatta, thalatta mean?
Thalatta, thalatta means The sea, the sea. The soldiers shouted it when they finally saw the Black Sea near Trapezus, knowing they were close to the Greek world.
Why was the March of the Ten Thousand important?
It showed the strength of Greek infantry and the weakness of the Persian Empire, an idea that later inspired Alexander the Great's invasion of Persia.
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