Anabasis, Book 1, Ch. 7 - Numbering the forces
As the expected climactic battle looms, the Greeks seek more assurances of greater rewards, Cyrus predicts that his brother will not give up without a fight, and Xenophon enumerates the opposing armies.
In the first paragraph, note the words “south” and “north.” In the Greek, “south” is mesembrian, literally, “towards the noonday sun,” while “north” is arctos, literally “towards the bear,” i.e. towards the constellation Ursa Major, or The Big Dipper.
Cyrus’ promise is expressed in a typical Greek fashion, offering a contrast or paradox. “I’m not worried about not having enough to give away, but about not having enough recipients for all of it.”
As far as the number of forces go, Cyrus’ army, especially the 10,000 Greeks is considered to be more-or-less accurate. Xenophon probably exaggerated the King’s forces; note that each component (infantry, cavalry, chariots) comes out to be ten times Cyrus’ force. We might take these numbers to mean merely that Artaxerxes greatly out-numbered Cyrus.
A final interesting note is the tardiness of Abrocomas, who came from Phoenicia. Earlier in Book 1, we read that Abrocomas retreated ahead of Cyrus and even burned the bridge of boats over the Euphrates. Given that head start, as well as his ability to empty the country of food and supplies, it’s odd that Abrocomas was late. The editors suggest that he was carefully trying to have it both ways, and not commit himself to either side.
Then Gaulites, a Samian exile and confidant of Cyrus, said, “But Cyrus, some say that you promise much now, on account of the danger you are facing, but that if you do succeed, you will not remember what you said. And others say that even if you remember and you do want to, you will not be able to to make good on your promises. Hearing this, Cyrus said: “Gentlemen, the realm of my father extends to the south until it is too hot for men to live, and to the north until it is too cold, and all that is in between is ruled by friends of my brother. And if victory is ours, we will install our own friends in these positions. Thus, I do not fear that I will not be have enough to give to each of my friends, but that I may not have enough friends to reward. I will also give each of you Greeks a golden crown. Those hearing this were enthused and spread the word to the others. And the generals and some other worthy Greeks approached Cyrus, to learn what would be in it for them, in the event of victory. He, satisfying their expectations, (then) sent them away.
He was advised by all that conferred with him not to fight personally, but to position himself behind them. At this moment, Clearchus had occasion to ask, “Do you think, Cyrus, that your brother will fight?” “By God,” said Cyrus, “as he is the son of Darius and Parysatides and my brother, I will not take this (empire) without a fight.”
Then, in the count of troops under arms, the Greeks amounted to 10,400 hoplites and 2,500 peltasts, and the barbarians with Cyrus 100,000, along with about 20 scythed chariots. The enemy were reported to be 1,200,000 and 200 scythed chariots. And there were also 6,000 cavalry, which Artagerses commanded; these were lined up in front of the King. In the King’s army, there were four commanders or generals or leaders, each having 300,000: Abrocomas, Tissaphernes, Gobryas, and Arbakes. Participating in the battle were 900,000 and 150 scythed chariots; Abrocomas, marching from Phoenicia, was five days too late for the battle.
Anabasis - More on Clearchus
Anabasis - On the character of Clearchus
Anabasis, Book 1 - Review
Anabasis, Book 2, Ch. 1 - Ariaeus demurs
Anabasis, Book 1, Ch. 9 - Sharing