Other Historians Flashcards
How does Xen open Hellenica that suggests a cont from Thuc?
‘after these events’
In what class was Xenophon? Likely political standing and evidence?
hoplite
Due to background and growing up through olig revolutions, likely had some contempt for democratic constitutions - Socrates follower, disdain in treatment of Aeg generals, lack of criticism for Alcibiades, flights from athens to live in Persia c402/1.
Why is Xenophon’s work seen as unreliable and poor for historical enquiry?
clear bias against Thebes, clear affinity to Sparta, superficial judgements, narrow interests, and extensive omissions
What is an external source that demonstrates Xenophon’s inaccuracies, at least in 4th cent narrative? Signif of this work?
Oxyrhynchus Historian (papyrus fragments)
Accurate and most Thucydidean out of the 4th cent histories we have.
What break in composition is apparent in Xenophon?
1-2.3 was written earlier than all of 2.3 to end - the latter in the 350s and the former, a while before this.
What appears to have been Xenophon’s main source?
his own memory and experience of events
From what pov was book 1-2.3 Xen Hell written?
Spartan, likely was in peloponese when writing this
Who provides a claim of Xen publishing and cont the history of Thuc? Accuracy?
Diogenes Laertius.
Attempt to divide chron by summers and winters is Thucydidean BUT
Xen certainly wasn’t the only man to attempt this, his stye is far inferior, and there are divergences from Thuc date that suggests he wasn’t even using Thuc material
How does Cawkwell describe Xen’s Hell. if not a history?
memoir
Why does Xen appear to have favoured Spartan society?
saw it as more virtuous and liked the oligarchic government of wealthy, educated men - similar view to much of G aristocracy around this time
What appears to have been Xen’s understanding of his relationship w Thuc?
he was continuing where Thuc left off but was aware of his inferiority in historical approach
What does Cawkwell identify as Xen’s rhetorical purpose?
record and depict virtue
How does playwright Cratinus describe Pericles?
‘the biggest tyrant of all’ (The Tutors)
Who was Pericles’ tutor? What happened to him? Signif?
Damon, sophist
ostracised for being supportive of tyranny
He was continually linked w Pericles and this Pericles could be linked w tyranny.
How does Plutarch characterize pericles? Thuc?
very intelligent, measured, and virtuous
Wise, had integrity, patient
Who was Pericles’ rival? What does Plutarch say he does to compete w him?
Cimon
Seeing that C had support of aristocracy, he engendered support from the masses in order to challenge C and get power
How do Plut and Thuc present Pericles as an orator?
thoughtful and restrained
What does Plutarch say Pericles’ nickname was? Why?
The Olympian
ppl attrib to diff things but could be combo of all: skill and vigour with which he approached oratory, building programme, and/or ability as a leader/statesman
How did comic poets spin Pericles’ nickname?
said he got ‘the olympian’ name on account of his thundering and lightning in the assembly and using tongue to wield a thunderbolt