The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 14 - The Debate

The group erupted in excitement. "This is incredible! Xenophon was guided by Hades to Persia! And Juleios, without ever meeting Xenophon, knew about him through divine revelation! Hades is watching over us!" Though Juleios was surprised by the turn of events, he dismissed it as coincidence. He joined the others in reciting a hymn to Hades, playing along with the fervor. Afterward, he said, "Even with the protection of the Lord of the Underworld, we must rely on our own efforts to pass this trial and return safely to Greece."

"Juleios, you don't seem very confident about our chances of getting home," Xenophon remarked, his gaze fixed on Juleios. Xenophon deeply believed in oracles, dreams, and prophecies, and he had come here because of rumors about Juleios being a favored of Hades. He was convinced that this connection indicated some divine link between them.

"I am just an ordinary infantryman," Juleios replied calmly, "like a frog at the bottom of a well, unable to see the greater picture above. It's natural to feel uncertain." Then, with a wry smile, he added, "But you, Xenophon, are a close friend of Proxenus and a distinguished student of Socrates." Oliver tried to interject, but Juleios silenced him with a glance.

Xenophon took no offense and spoke with conviction. "I believe we will make it back to Greece without much trouble. And why do I think this?" He paused, his tone firm. "Because I feel a responsibility. The gods guided me here for a reason. Amid this looming crisis, while others panic, I believe it's my purpose to help guide our people through this. That's why I've been moving between camps these past days, assisting Proxenus in stabilizing morale."

He addressed the group with patience. "First, our Greek hoplites are strong, while the Persian armies are weak. For decades, since the Battle of Thermopylae, we Greeks have consistently held the upper hand against the Persians. Our recent battle against the Persian King further demonstrates this: our fierce charge caused their forces to crumble. They haven't grown stronger since then."

"Exactly! Those cavalry are cowards!" Matonis shouted in agreement, drawing a slightly awkward expression from Xenophon.

"But their cavalry's javelins and arrows have caused us trouble," Xilos pointed out.

"True, but their cavalry, like their infantry, lack the skill and courage to face us head-on. Arrows alone cannot break our resolve. If we choose to retreat, they won't be able to stop us," Xenophon said confidently.

"Second, from what I've heard, the new Persian King, Artaxerxes, is a mild and timid man. This was why Darius the Younger dared to rebel against him. Reports say that Darius's allies in Susa and Persepolis have also risen in revolt. Though Artaxerxes was lucky to kill Darius the Younger, he won't risk fighting us while his rear remains unstable."

"Third, our commanders are highly capable. Though I am an Athenian and he a Spartan, I must admit that Clearchus is an exceptional leader. During the war between Athens and Sparta, he caused Athens significant trouble and later defeated the Thracians in the Chersonese. Leaders like Proxenus and Menon are also seasoned and experienced in dealing with the Persians. In contrast, the Persian King is new to military command and relies on generals like Tissaphernes, who we've already defeated easily. They're no match for our leaders!"

Juleios listened intently to Xenophon's reasoning, learning much that he hadn't known before. When Xenophon finished, Juleios clapped sincerely. "An excellent speech! Truly worthy of a student of Socrates!"

"Yes! Hades surely guides you!" Xilos added enthusiastically. "Your words give us confidence!"

Xenophon remained calm amidst the praise. Persuading soldiers was second nature to him. However, his sharp gaze lingered on Juleios, as if trying to discern what set this "favored of Hades" apart.

"But you forgot to mention one thing," Juleios said. He couldn't allow himself to be overshadowed, especially not in front of his comrades. "While Persia's lands are vast and its population numerous, its governance is inefficient. Most regions are autonomous, with their own cultures and religions. They submit to Persian rule only by paying taxes and providing soldiers. This, I believe, is one reason why Persian armies collapse so easily when facing us."

Xenophon pondered Juleios's words, recalling what he had seen during their journey. It all fit perfectly. He was momentarily stunned. How could a 19-year-old who couldn't even read or write have such deep insight into Persia? If this wasn't a sign of divine favor, what was? Comforting himself with this thought, he said, "You're absolutely right. This is the flaw of an absolute monarchy! In contrast, Greek democracy is our strength. We fight for ourselves!"

"Democracy's strength?" Juleios inwardly scoffed, reminded of the "world's police" from his previous life. Unable to suppress his disdain, he curled his lip—a gesture that Xenophon, ever observant, noticed immediately.

"Juleios, do you disagree with me?" Xenophon asked.

"Xenophon, when do you think Athens was at its most stable and prosperous over the past century?" Juleios countered, deciding to use his knowledge to impress this historical figure and ensure his reputation reached the upper echelons of the mercenary army.

"During Pericles' rule," Xenophon answered without hesitation.

"You forgot to mention the period under Peisistratus," Juleios reminded him. "Under his rule, Athens fully consolidated the Attica region, developed the port of Piraeus, and became one of the most powerful city-states in mainland Greece, second only to Sparta."

"But..." Xenophon faltered, caught off guard. Most Athenians, proud of their democratic system, avoided discussing Peisistratus, the tyrant. Though he wanted to argue, he found himself at a loss for words. As an educated man, he knew Juleios's statement was factual.

Seizing the moment, Juleios continued, "You're probably thinking, 'But Athens was stronger during Pericles' time,' right? However, the phrase 'during Pericles' time' is itself problematic. Pericles served as general for years, proposing and implementing laws and decisions that created Athens's golden age. Isn't it ironic that the democracy that prided itself on annual elections and ostracism to prevent tyranny essentially relied on a single ruler to achieve greatness?"

Juleios pressed on, his tone sharp. "And what happened to your supposedly superior democracy after Pericles?..."

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