Xenophon is the only author from antiquity whose entire known body of work has survived to the present day. Writing in the fifth and fourth century BC, Xenophon's histories cover the contemporary history of the Greek world and the history of the Persian Empire. They provide a valuable insight into the ancient world at this time.

The Hellenica, of which this book is a translation, covers Greek history from the end of Thucydides' great history of the Peloponnesian War through to the battle of Mantinea in 362 BC. It describes the final seven years of the war (411-404 BC), the Athenian defeat, and its aftermath as both Sparta and Thebes fought for hegemony over Greece. Xenophon, although born an Athenian citizen, was also associated with, and was a keen supporter of, Sparta. He wrote the Hellenica on his estate in the Spartan countryside following his retirement from military service primarily for the enjoyment of his friends, many of whom had first-hand experience of the events described.