Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Xenophon, 432 BCE-351? BCE

Contributor:

Dakyns, Henry Graham, 1838-1911

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus" by Xenophon is a historical account likely written in the 4th century BC. The work narrates the life and education of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, highlighting his character development, leadership qualities, and training in governance and warfare. Through the lens of Cyrus's journey, the text examines the nature of power, obedience, and the qualities of an ideal ruler. At the start of "Cyropaedia," Xenophon introduces the theme of governance by contrasting the obedience of animals to their herders with the challenges humans face in submission to rulers. The narrative transitions to a focus on Cyrus's childhood, detailing his noble lineage as the son of Cambyses and Mandane. As a child raised in both Persian and Median cultures, Cyrus embodies curiosity, compassion, and loyalty, earning admiration from his grandfather, King Astyages. The opening chapters emphasize Cyrus's innate qualities and the structured upbringing aimed at cultivating virtues such as justice and self-restraint through a disciplined education, preparing him for future leadership within a complex tapestry of cultures and nations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by John Bickers, Dagny, and David Widger

Notes:

Reading ease score: 69.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyropaedia

Release date is 2000-02-01