Herodotus (c. 484–425 BCE) Flashcards
Where was Herodotus born?
Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey)
What is Herodotus known as?
The Father of History
What was the name of Herodotus’s most famous work?
The Histories
Which major historical events are covered in ‘The Histories’?
The rise of the Persian Empire and the Greco-Persian Wars
How did Herodotus gather information for his histories?
Through personal travels, oral traditions, and written accounts
In which Greek colony did Herodotus settle to complete ‘The Histories’?
Thurii in southern Italy
During which century did Herodotus live?
5th century BCE
Which other historian criticized Herodotus for inaccuracies?
Thucydides
Why is Herodotus’s work considered important in historiography?
He pioneered historical inquiry by gathering and analyzing multiple sources
What impact did Herodotus’s work have on later historians and scholars?
It laid the foundation for modern history and anthropology
What criticism did Herodotus face regarding his work?
He was accused of embellishing facts and including fables
Which famous battle involving Spartans is vividly described by Herodotus?
The Battle of Thermopylae
How did Herodotus describe the annual flooding of the Nile?
He explained it using local Egyptian theories, though inaccurately
What humorous method did the Bebrycians use to choose their king, according to Herodotus?
They chose the tallest and handsomest man, believing beauty reflected favor from the gods
What title did Cicero give Herodotus?
The Father of History
