Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Historical figure: Cyrus the Younger was a Persian prince of the Achaemenid Empire, known for leading a major rebellion against his elder brother, King Artaxerxes II. He is primarily remembered for the Battle of Cunaxa in 401 BC, where he was defeated and killed.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The army of Cyrus the Younger was described in detail by the Greek historian Xenophon.
  • Cyrus the Younger's failed attempt to seize the throne is a famous episode in Persian history.

Advanced Usage

• Historical reference: The term is used almost exclusively in historical contexts to refer to this specific individual and his rebellion.
  • The expedition of Cyrus the Younger is a central narrative in Xenophon's "Anabasis".

Variants and Related Words

• Cyrus the Great: The founder of the Achaemenid Empire, an earlier and much more famous ruler. It is crucial not to confuse Cyrus the Younger with Cyrus the Great.
• Artaxerxes II: The ruling king and elder brother whom Cyrus the Younger rebelled against.

Synonyms

• Cyrus (in specific historical contexts): When the context of the rebellion or the 5th century BC is clear, "Cyrus" alone may refer to Cyrus the Younger, though this can be ambiguous.
• The Younger Cyrus: A less common but acceptable variant.

Related Phrases

• The March of the Ten Thousand: Refers to the Greek mercenaries who served in Cyrus the Younger's army and their long journey home after his death.
• Battle of Cunaxa: The decisive battle where Cyrus the Younger was killed.

Noun

1. Persian prince who was defeated in battle by his brother Artaxerxes II (424-401 BC)