Some Remarks on the Battle of Cunaxa (401 BC)

Michał Podrazik

Abstract


The present article deals with the Battle of Cunaxa fought in 401 BC between the forces of the Achaemenid Great King Artaxerxes II (404-359) and his younger brother Cyrus. The battle is chiefly shown from the perspective of Greek soldiers, fighting on Cyrus’ side, and the majority of studies devoted to it is focused on them. The perspective is determined by sources we have, especially Anabasis of Xenophon, our primarily informer. The aim of the present article is to pay attention to the King’s forces in the Battle of Cunaxa, and to focus on some aspects of this engagement that have not been addressed or satisfactorily analyzed in the studies to date. Particular attention is given to the composition and armament of the King’s army. The results will allow us to see a fuller picture of the Battle of Cunaxa and comprehend it better.

Keywords


Battle of Cunaxa; Artaxerxes’ forces; πελτοφόροι; Mithridates

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/rh.2022.53.25-44
Date of publication: 2022-06-30 13:43:35
Date of submission: 2021-04-17 16:50:04


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