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The Trial of Orontas: Xenophon Anabasis 1.6

Keaveney, Arthur P. (2012) The Trial of Orontas: Xenophon Anabasis 1.6. L’Antiquite Classique, 81 . pp. 31-41. ISSN 0770-2817. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:30923)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.

Abstract

This paper considers some of the historical problems involved in Xenophon’s account of Cyrus the Younger’s execution of Orontas. It is suggested that instinct and political calculation made Cyrus endure his underling’s treachery. The composition of the bench of judges is examined and the argument advanced that the number involved (seven) added weight to the verdict and that the relationship of some of the judges to Orontas would have bound them closer to Cyrus once the death penalty had been pronounced. The essential truth of Xenophon’s account of the trial, which seems to derive from Clearchus, is accepted, although it is suggested that Clearchus may have exaggerated his role in the proceedings. The method of Orontas’ execution was one employed by other autocrats and was designed to strike terror into the disaffected.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CB History of civilization
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of Culture and Languages
Depositing User: Steph Ham
Date Deposited: 24 Sep 2012 15:42 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:08 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/30923 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Keaveney, Arthur P..

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