A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

(Πρόξενος).

1. A native of Boeotia (according to Diod. 14.19, of Thebes). He was a disciple of Gorgias, and a friend of Xenophon. Being connected by the ties of hospitality with the younger Cyrus, the latter engaged him in his service. He came to Sardes at the head of 1500 heavy armed, and 500 light armed soldiers, (Xen. Anab. 1.1.11, 2.3.) It was at his invitation that Xenophon was induced to enter the service of Cyrus (3.1. §§ 4, 8). He was one of the four ill-fated generals whom Clearchus persuaded to accompany him to Tissaphernes. He was seized with the rest, and taken to the king of Persia, and afterwards put to death (2.5.31, 2.6.1). Xenophon speaks of him as a man whose ambition was under the influence of strict probity, and who was especially anxious to secure the affections of his soldiers, so that while the well-disposed readily obeyed him, he failed to inspire the rest with a wholesome fear of his authority (2.6.17, &c.). He was 30 years of age at the time of his death (B. C. 401). For other occasions on which he is mentioned by Xenophon, see Anab. 1.5.14, 2.1.10, 5.3.5. (Comp. D. L. 2.49.)