# Xenophon — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Xenophon in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Greek historian and philosopher whose works on leadership are cited.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ii)

His treatise 'De Tirannide' is cited to support the argument that a tyrant's gains do not benefit the state.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiii)

His life of Cyrus is referenced to teach the necessity of fraud in rising to power.

### [How one humane act availed more with the men of Falerii, than all the might of the Roman arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xx)

Historian who emphasized the rewards of Cyrus's humane and gracious character.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxii)

Mentioned as an authority who describes the humanity of Cyrus, similar to Valerius's methods, and whose advice is relevant for princes.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxix)

Xenophon's life of Cyrus is referenced to show how hunting serves as a training ground for military knowledge and strategy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/xenophon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters