Battle of Cunaxa

The Battle of Cunaxa took place in 401 BC near Babylon, between the forces of the Persian prince Cyrus the Younger and his brother, King Artaxerxes II. Cyrus sought to seize the throne, leading an army that included Greek mercenaries. Despite a strong initial advantage, Cyrus was killed in battle, and his forces were ultimately defeated. The battle is notable not only for its immediate military impact but also for its role in Greek history, as many mercenaries, known as the "Ten Thousand," later undertook a famous retreat across hostile territory, which inspired later military and literary works.