1: Herodotus Flashcards
What were Greeks also known as?
Hellenes.
Where did Hellenes originate from?
Hellas.
What does Herodotus suggest that makes Greeks, Greeks?
Similarities in language, religion + culture.
Where did Greeks occupy in ancient times?
Anywhere along the Mediterranean coast.
What was a Polis?
A city state.
Give 3 examples of vital Poleis.
Athens, Sparta and Corinth.
What is the plural term for Polis?
Poleis.
Comment on the size of Poleis.
They vary dramatically in size.
Who was Herodotus?
The 1st true Greek historian.
What are the other names for Herodotus?
Father of History or Father of Lies.
Who gave Herodotus one of his nicknames?
Cicero
Why did Herodotus claim his purpose was for writing his histories?
to make sure that the great things achieved by man, was not forgotten by the passage of time.
What did Herodotus’ Histories largely cover?
The Persian-Greek conflicts between 546-479 BC
When was Herodotus writing?
c. 430 BC
Name 2 ‘lies’ Herodotus tells.
The King of Persia’s ‘giant gold-digging ants’
Sheep with tails so long the shepherds have to make mini carts for them.
Who explains the ‘giant gold-digging ant’ story?
Peissel, a 1990’s French Ethnographer.
What animal may the ‘giant gold-digging ants’ really be?
Himalayan Marmots,
Name 2 breeds of sheep which may be related t the ones which Herodotus talks about.
Awassi and Karaman.
Where do these amazing sheep originate from?
Arabia.
Where does Herodotus come from?
Halicarnassus.
Did Herodotus actually visit all the places in which he talks about?
Probably not, it would have taken far too long.
What is the story about Smerdis that Herodotus tells?
In Persia, Cyrus the king dies, leaving his empire to his mad son, Cambyses. He bad, kills brother Smerdis. Dies. Magi put imposter of throne called Smerdis, no ears.
What journey does Cambyses go on?
A metaphorical one from Hubris to Nemesis.
What does Cambyses do that probably leads to his death?
Kills the Apis bull and then his brother.
