The Cyropaedia, The Education of Cyrus Xenophon - Cyropaedia: The Education of Cyrus is a novel by Xenophon. This metaphysical narrative is lightly based on the achievements of Cyrus the Great, and offers an exceptional portrait of political ambition and talent.Xenophon of Athens (circa 430 354 B.C.) was a Greek poet, historian, soldier and philosopher who lived at a time of momentous events in Ancient Greek history. Although he was recognized as a great writer and poet in his lifetime, Xenophons involvement with Spartan politics and fighting led to his exile from Athens, and his association with Socrates probably did not help. His short treatise on Spartas government is considered one of the first examples of political philosophy. Cyropaedia describes the education of the ideal ruler, trained to rule as a benevolent despot over his admiring and willing subjects. Xenophon is best remembered for his writing. In addition to writing about the philosophy of Socrates, he also wrote about the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, as well as the Persian expedition that formed the basis of his most famous work, Anabasis. In addition to his own works, he influenced the account of the Peloponnesian War written by the famous Greek historian Thucydides.