Tides of History Thucydides, the Greatest Historian of All Time: Interview with Robin Waterfield and Professor Polly Low
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Sep 25, 2025 Join classical scholar Robin Waterfield, known for his modern translations of ancient texts, and Professor Polly Low, an expert on Thucydides, as they dive deep into the world of the greatest historian. They explore what draws scholars to Thucydides, discussing his intimidating style and the complexities of his writings like the Melian Dialogue. The duo also examines the significance of the Peloponnesian War and how Thucydides shaped history's narrative. Discover why his work remains relevant today and the nuances lost in translation.
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Thucydides' Lasting Intellectual Gravity
- Thucydides' History exerts massive, long-lasting influence because of its intelligence and craft.
- Robin Waterfield and Polly Low describe his text as challenging, idiosyncratic, and compelling to return to.
A Lifelong Engagement With Thucydides
- Robin Waterfield first encountered Thucydides at school and waited decades to translate him.
- His long-standing fascination motivated his recent translation project.
Thucydides Forces Reader Interpretation
- Thucydides rarely tells readers which conclusions to draw and leaves interpretive work to them.
- Polly Low says this openness invites repeated engagement and debate over his meaning.
