The Two Great Retreats of History

** "The Two Great Retreats of History" by George Grote and comte de Philippe-Paul Ségur is a late 19th-century book that recounts two major military retreats: the journey of the Ten Thousand Greeks after Cyrus the Younger's death and Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. The book examines leadership, survival, and the complexities of power in ancient Persia and 19th-century Europe, showcasing the tenacity of the soldiers involved. The narrative starts by introducing Cyrus the Younger, whose ambitions spark the conflict at Kunaxa, and details the Greek mercenaries' initial journey, explaining their purpose and the events that leave them stranded after Cyrus's death. Facing dwindling resources and constant threats from Persian forces, the Greeks struggle to survive and return home. The selections from Grote and Ségur highlight both the external adversities and the internal struggles that shape the troops' path toward survival. **