Histories

Herodotus is known as “the Father of History,” yet the Roman orator Cicero called him “the Father of Lies,” going so far as to accuse Herodotus of the outright fabrication of events. Describe the historical method of Herodotus, and evaluate why he makes use of legends, folktales, and other stories that he admits he does not believe, or on which he reserves judgment. What is the value of including material of dubious authenticity or veracity in his account?

What are the main themes of the Histories? How does Herodotus use moralizing anecdotes to elaborate some of these themes?

Herodotus states that he undertook his inquiry “so that human achievements may not be forgotten in time, and great and marvelous deeds—some displayed by Greeks, some by barbarians—may not be without their glory, and especially to show why the two peoples fought with each other” (3). The Histories contain an enormous mass of material, incorporating many digressions within the main historical narrative of the conflict between the Greeks and the Persians. How does the structure of the book convey Herodotus’ intended aim? Explain if, and how, Herodotus’ digressions serve that purpose.