Alexander : a history of the origin and growth of the art of war from ...

102 BATTLE OF CUNAXA.They marclied from Myriandrus to Thapsacus in twelve days,at the rate of nineteen miles a day. Their commander wasClearehus. The battle of Cunaxa, fought by Cyrus againstArtaxerxes, is interesting as showing the discipline of whicha Greek phalanx was capable, when compared with theheterogeneoustroops of Persia, and as being the initiation ofthe Retreat of the Ten Thousand. Artaxerxes had an armysaid to be nine hundred thousand strong — probably an exaggeration;hundred thousand.while Cyrus had, including the Greeks, nearly oneThese two armies were marching towardeach other, and came together near the river Euphrates.On learning of the approach of the enemy Cyrus drew uphis army. Tlfe phalanx was on the right, leaning on theriver, some distance in front of the camp. A smaU body ofone thousand horse supported it.Cyi'us, with a body-guardof six hundred horse, was in the centre. The Asiatics wereon the left. Artaxerxes advanced in order of battle. Hisenormous force, with its left on the river, so far overlappedthe line of Cyrus that its centre was beyond the latter's leftflank.As the Persians marched on in silence and with measuredtread Cjtus rode his lines, encouraged his men, andbade Clearehus attack the centre, where Artaxerxes, with hissix thousand cavalry, had stationed himself, knowing thatsuccess at that place meant certain victory. But Clearehuswas loath to leave his position near the river, as this protectedhis unshielded side ; for the shield was carried on the leftarm, and a phalanx always felt more concern for its rightthan its left flank. He therefore practically disobeyed orders,but he promised Cyrus to hold firm.As thePersian army came within about half a mile, thephalanx advanced, striking their pikes upon their shields, andshouting their martial paean.So redoubtable did they appearthat the cavalry and chariots in front of Artaxerxes' left wing