Agesilaus

Xenophon, creator; Xenophontis Opera omnia Volume V Opuscula; Marchant, E. C. (Edgar Cardew), 1864-1960, editor

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Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.

This work is a biographical encomium by Xenophon, celebrating the life and exceptional virtues of Agesilaus II, the king of Sparta. The first half of the work chronologically narrates Agesilaus's brilliant military achievements, from his Asian campaign and battles against the Persian satrap Tissaphernes to his return for the Battle of Coronea and his later expedition to Egypt. In the second half, the narrative shifts to a thematic analysis, praising his personal virtues such as piety toward the gods, financial integrity, self-control over pleasures, and deep patriotism through concrete anecdotes. The author contrasts Agesilaus's simple lifestyle with the arrogance and luxury of the Persian king, illustrating the ideal image of a true leader. Ultimately, the work concludes by declaring that while his physical strength may have faded with age, his spirit remained indomitable, and his life stood as an immortal embodiment of perfect virtue.