Warfare

One of the themes of this book is warfare. Readers can learn a great deal within the limited context. Anyone with an even remotely realistic perception of contemporary warfare will immediately observe the arcane methodologies that are part and parcel of the campaigns, battles and wars that are shown during Xenophon's work.

For those who laughed and felt Medeival, this is far older than that, as has also been made quite clear. The cavalry and the chariot were the highest tech weaponry available to them. The bow, spear and javelin were all used. It is a bizarre reminder to observe that some of the 'track & field' 'field' events were designed for practice in cultivating skill with weapons such as the javelin.

Part of this theme is changing power and relationships. Sparta, and Athens struggle with one another extensively during this time period. Thebes, and Thessaly, even the Peloponnese...