The strange kingdom of a young prince. Politics, education and justice in Persian society of the Cyropaedia (1, 2, 2-16)

In this article we aim to investigate the persian society portrayed by Xenophon at the beginning of Cyropaedia 1. In particular, we will analyze the politics, education and justice in Persia. In order to do so, we will review the brief description of Persia presented by Xenophon (1, 2, 2-16). First of all, we will discuss the topic of education, supporting the hypothesis that holds that in Cyropaedia "paideia" should be considered as an extended formation throughout life. In second place, we will address the "free agora", reading it as a social performative control space. Third, we describe the classes portrayed in the persian education (children, ephebi, adults and elders), proposing that its psychic and physical training are mirrored. In fourth place, we will discuss the famous case of the children and their robes, understanding it as a paradigmatic example to conceive the whole persian society. Finally, we will argue that Cyrus, even as a child is strongly critical of Persia, and that we must consider these criticisms to analize the young prince forthcoming imperial ambition.