Anabasis, Book 1, Ch. 6 - The End of Orontas

After Orontas brief trial (not presented here), he is found guilty and “put out of the way.”

About this, Cyrus said to those present, “This man has done such things and says such things. First you, Clearchus, tell us your view as to what seems best.” Clearchus said the following: “For my part, I recommend that we do away with this man as quickly as possible, so that we shall no longer have to watch out for him, but put our mind at rest in this matter, and reward those who have been helpful.”

He expressed this view and the others concurred. After this, he (Clearchus) said when ordered by Cyrus to grasp Orontas’ girdle, as sign of death, everyone stood up, even his relatives. Then those assigned led him out. When those who used to genuflect before him saw him, they genuflected right then, even though knowing he was being led to his death. After being led into the tent of Artapatus, the most trusted of Cyrus’ sceptre-bearers, no one ever saw Orontas again, neither dead or alive. Nor did anyone, of his own knowledge, ever say how he died, although many speculated. Nor did anyone ever see his grave.

Comments

  1. Jane wrote:

    hey Steven, I dropped by to say HI!!!! Now I have to figure out what is going on because dang it looks interesting.

    Greek, is it Greek?

    Posted 18 Jul 2007 at 12:14 am

  2. commissar wrote:

    Yes, it’s Greek. Xenophon’s Anabasis, the story of 10,000 Greek mercenaries hired to help Cyrus invade Persia and overthrow his brother the king.

    Posted 18 Jul 2007 at 9:15 am

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Anabasis, Book 1, Ch. 7 - Cyrus’ promises »