Ch. 1. Athenian Leaders in Xenophon's Memorabilia

Abstract

This paper studies three categories of Athenian leaders in Xenophon’s Memorabilia: Socrates’ notorious pupils, Critias and Alcibiades; Pericles and Themistocles, illustrious democrats; and potential future leaders. Against the common view that Xenophon was hostile towards Critias and Alcibiades, we show how Xenophon’s account mitigates their initially negative characterisations. Xenophon’s treatment of Pericles and Themistocles reveals subtle criticism of their policies and assimilates their positive qualities to Spartan or Persian models. Finally, prospective leaders seem insu8cient compared with their renowned ancestors or Socrates, but possess important dialectical skills that allow them to highlight both the benefits and limitations of Socratic political teaching. Published in Richard Fernando Buxton, ed., Aspects of Leadership in Xenophon (HISTOS Supplement 5), p. 1-49.