Herodotus
I. Herodotus, the “Father of History” in the introduction of his writings states two (2) reasons why he wrote his Histories. a) Quoting directly from the text, please list the two reasons that he cites as his purpose for writing his Histories. (Portable Greek Historians, pg. 29).
II. Herodotus, as he traces the origins for the Persian Wars, comments on the changeable nature of fate/fortune and its impact on individuals/states? In reading about Croesus the king of the Lydian Empire (who ruled from 560-540 B.C.), and Solon, the wise lawgiver of Greece, Croesus asks Solon, “Who is the happiest of men?” a) Who are the individuals that Solon provides in reply to Croesus, and why does he state they are the happiest? b) What is Croesus reaction to Solon’s reply? c) Given the ultimate fate of Croesus, do you believe Solon’s statement to Croesus is/was accurate? Explain your answer. (Portable Greek Historians, pgs. 39-50).
III. Croesus is concerned about the growing power of the Persian Empire and sends messengers to the oracle/priestess of Apollo (at Delphi and Amphiaraus) to enquire whether he should attack the Persians and should he strengthen his forces with an ally. a) What two-part reply do the oracles provide to him? b) On doing his research, which two nations/poleis does Croesus find are the most powerful, and with which one does he conclude/make an alliance? (Portable Greek Historians, pgs. 51-62).
IV. Besides writing great history, Herodotus is an ethnographer and also enjoys recounting stories from some of the countries that he visits while writing his Histories. From your reading in the Portable Greek Historians, list two stories that would cause some critics of Herodotus to call him not the “Father of History,” but instead the “Father of Lies.” (Portable Greek Historians, pgs. 63-81)
Answers under each question
NO PLAGIARISM!!
