Herodotus

Question 1

Pros of Herodotus

Answer 1

Assess evidence sceptically, admits when he can’t decide of a version of events, tries to be objective, last book closer to this time so more accurate (it has oral history),
Robin Waterfield - he voices different opinions and points of views

Question 2

Cons of Herodotus

Answer 2

Includes myths - ants as large as dogs in India and flying snakes in Egypt.
Believes God intervenes - could cloud history and affect interpretation
Voltaire - ‘father of lies’

Never talked about events he saw and included 80 accounts from Oracles
Doesn’t reference written sources

Question 3

General style of Herodotus’s work

Answer 3

Fascinated by non-Greek culture, could speak Greek but many more, no history before him/been written, wanted to conserve Greek history AND barbarian’s history - and cause of their hostility.
He uses word enquiry = shows him being analytical !