The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind Herodotus: The Greek Invention of History
Dec 3, 2024
Dive into the world of Herodotus, often hailed as the father of history. Discover why he chose to document the past in a way that set him apart from myth. Explore the intriguing clash between Greek and Persian cultures and the comedic tales woven into his narratives, including a tomb prank and unique forms of justice. Unpack the significance of divine ancestry in ancient empires and examine how these insights shaped the political discourse of their time. Herodotus offers a fascinating lens into humanity's shared story.
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Herodotus Invents Historical Inquiry
- Herodotus pioneered history by practicing inquiry instead of repeating mythological causation.
- He sought human explanations for events and aimed for relative objectivity in reporting deeds and causes.
History For Human Glory, Not Royal Praise
- Herodotus records both Greek and non-Greek deeds to preserve glory without serving a ruler's propaganda.
- He avoids simple divine explanations and focuses on what people did and why conflicts arose.
Cyclical View Of Ancient History
- Ancient Greek historians often viewed history cyclically, expecting wars and peace to repeat.
- Herodotus analyzes patterns but doesn't offer a teleological end like later Christian thinkers.
