The Warriors (1979): A Modern Epic Inspired by Ancient Roots

The Warriors, the 1979 movie directed by Walter Hill, is a gripping action thriller that takes place in the gritty streets of New York City. The film revolves around a fictional street gang from Coney Island, who find themselves framed for the murder of a respected gang leader. To clear their name, they must embark on a perilous journey back to their home turf while battling rival gangs and evading the police.

But what many might not realize is that The Warriors has ancient roots. It draws inspiration from Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel of the same name, which, in turn, was based on the ancient Greek military leader’s Xenophon’s work, Anabasis. The connection between the movie and the ancient text is not immediately apparent, but a closer examination reveals a thematic parallel that bridges the gap between ancient Greece and modern America.

Xenophon’s Anabasis and the Ten Thousand

The Historical Context

In 401 BC, the Persian Empire was ruled by Artaxerxes II. His ambitious brother, Cyrus the Younger, sought to seize the throne and had meticulously prepared for this moment. Cyrus hired a group of mercenaries known as the Ten Thousand (composed mainly of Greek hoplites) to march through Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Their mission was to rendezvous with Cyrus’s army in Mesopotamia, where they would collectively overthrow Artaxerxes II.

Xenophon’s Anabasis, also known as The March of the Ten Thousand, is the firsthand account of the army of Greek mercenaries who joined Cyrus the Younger in his quest to seize the throne of Persia from his brother, Artaxerxes II, in 401 BC. The narrative chronicles the challenges faced by the Ten Thousand as they navigate their way back to Greece after Cyrus’s death, facing hostile terrain and enemy forces. Similarly, The Warriors follows a street gang who must return to their home turf in Coney Island after being wrongfully accused of murder during a city-wide gang meeting. Both stories are tales of survival and the journey home against overwhelming odds.

The March Up Country

Xenophon, a Greek historian, philosopher, and soldier, was among the Ten Thousand. His autobiographical account, Anabasis (meaning “a march up country”), chronicles their extraordinary journey. After Cyrus’s death in the Battle of Cunaxa, the Ten Thousand found themselves stranded deep in enemy territory. Their goal was to reach the Black Sea, where they could escape to their own coastal cities. Xenophon’s narrative details their struggles, battles, and camaraderie as they fought their way home through hostile forces.

The importance of Xenophon’s Anabasis to history cannot be overstated. It provides a detailed account of the Persian Empire at the time and offers insights into the culture and military practices of ancient civilizations. The work has been praised for its straightforward narrative style and has been a valuable resource for historians and scholars studying the period.

Moreover, Anabasis had a significant influence on Alexander the Great’s conquests. The text provided a wealth of knowledge about Persian society, geography, and military tactics, which Alexander could utilize in his campaigns. It is believed that Alexander, well-read and educated by Aristotle, may have been inspired by the exploits of the Ten Thousand and used the information from Anabasis to craft his strategies for invading Persia.

Parallels Between The Warriors and Xenophon’s Anabasis

1. Brotherhood and Survival:
   • In both narratives, survival hinges on mutual dependence. The Ten Thousand and the Warriors cannot endure without each other. The strength of the phalanx (the Greek hoplite formation) mirrors the Warriors’ reliance on one another during their dangerous journey through New York City.
2. Perilous Journeys:
   • Xenophon’s march through Mesopotamia and the Warriors’ trek from the Bronx to Coney Island share common themes: danger, adversity, and the struggle to return home.
   • The Warriors face rival gangs and police officers, while the Ten Thousand confront hostile Persian forces.
   • Both stories emphasize resourcefulness, adaptability, and loyalty among comrades.

Historical Significance of Anabasis

• Influence on Alexander the Great:
  • Xenophon’s detailed descriptions of the Persian landscape in Anabasis were so vivid that they reportedly influenced Alexander the Great during his conquests.
  • As Alexander marched eastward, he used Xenophon’s account to navigate unfamiliar territories, drawing inspiration from the Ten Thousand’s resilience and adaptability.

Legacy and Reappraisal

• Initially met with mixed reviews, The Warriors has since become a cult classic. Its portrayal of life from a street gang’s perspective resonated with urban working-class audiences.
• The film’s themes of brotherhood, survival, and the struggle for home evoke timeless human experiences.
• Xenophon’s Anabasis continues to inspire readers and historians, serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who face adversity and fight for survival.

In crafting The Warriors, Walter Hill tapped into the essence of Anabasis by portraying a group’s struggle to navigate through hostile territories. The film, like the ancient text, is a study in leadership, camaraderie, and the human instinct for survival. It also reflects on the themes of honor and betrayal, which are central to both works. The Warriors, led by Swan after the loss of their original leader, mirror the Greek mercenaries who had to rely on their wits and each other to find their way back home.

The movie’s impact on popular culture has been profound, with its influence seen in various other media, including video games and comic books. Its portrayal of gang life and the urban landscape has left an indelible mark on the imaginations of viewers and filmmakers alike. The film’s iconic line, “Warriors, come out to play,” has become a part of the cultural lexicon, symbolizing the call to face one’s adversaries despite the odds. The San Francisco Warriors play the “Warriors, come out to play” clip during home matches.

In conclusion, The Warriors is more than just a film about gang warfare; it is a modern retelling of one of history’s greatest adventures. By drawing inspiration from Xenophon’s “Anabasis,” the movie connects with a fundamental narrative about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to transcend time and culture. The legacy of Xenophon’s work continues to resonate, demonstrating its timeless relevance and its profound impact on one of history’s most legendary figures, Alexander the Great. The journey of the Ten Thousand and the journey of The Warriors are both epic sagas that remind us of the strength found in unity and the unyielding desire to return home.

To get more movie recommendations, you will enjoy our collage about movies inspired or based on Greek mythology.