Herodotus Source Evaluation

Question 1

When was Herodotus born?

Answer 1

• Probably in the 480s BC

Question 2

When did Herodotus research and write?

Answer 2

• In the third quarter of the fifth century, which was several decades after the events he wrote about took place

Question 3

What were Herodotus’ research methods?

Answer 3

• Mostly oral but also literary, archaeological and epigraphic

Question 4

The majority of Herodotus’ research seems to have consisted of conversations with people who were present at the major events Herodotus writes of. Of what importance is this when assessing his reliability?

Answer 4

• The stories would have already changed before Herodotus heard them and immortalised them and as they came from people, they are naturally likely to be biased

Question 5

Why was Herodotus overly hostile towards the Corinthians and Thebans?

Answer 5

• They were both enemies of Athens at the time he wrote

Question 6

Give a quote that shows that Herodotus himself questions the reliability of his sources

Answer 6

“My business is to record what people say, but I am by no means bound to believe it and that may be taken to apply to this book as a whole”

Question 7

For what reason may we doubt Herodotus’ information?

Answer 7

• There are many occasions where he reports contradicting versions of the same event

Question 8

Although Herodotus has been found to be conflicting in his recollection of events, why should we still trust him to a degree?

Answer 8

• Archaeological evidence has proved Herodotus to be at least somewhat accurate in his narrative
• It is literally impossible to produce an entirely accurate account of the ancient past