Strategoi in "Anabasis"

Abstract

This paper deals with the "Ten Thousand." in Anabasis as a good example of change in the Greek army when faced with a difficult military situation after the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War. For about two years the Ten Thousand marched in a strange country where they met new enemies with new methods of warfare. We can find something in common between the Ten Thousand and other Greek armies after the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War. They were destined to advance. A prolonged campaign and a greater variety of tactics made this development necessary. And this development could be made only when a new kind of relation between the general and his soldiers came into existence. Generals wanted to increase their authority over their soldiers. In Anabasis we can see the generals trying to establish their authority. At the same time, we can see soldiers who would not endure being under anyone's authority. In the army of the Ten Thousand, the common soldiers were members of the general assembly. They decided all matters of importance in this assembly. They were "fighting and voting". They were called "a marching democracy". We can see how difficult it was among the Ten Thousand in Anabasis for Greek generals to exercise their authority. Anyway without the exercise of authority by the general, it was hardly possible for the Greek army to meet the needs of the military situation after the Peloponnesian War.