The Trial of Orontas: Xenophon Anabasis 1.6

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.