Herodotus
Ancient Greek historian and geographer, author of the Histories.
Herodotus (c. 484 – c. 425 BC) was a Greek historian and geographer from Halicarnassus (now Bodrum, Turkey), later a citizen of Thurii in modern Calabria, Italy. He wrote the Histories, a detailed account of the Greco-Persian Wars and other subjects, and has been described as 'The Father of History', a title conferred by the Roman orator Cicero.
- born
- c. 484 BC, Halicarnassus (Anatolia)
- died
- c. 425 BC
- field
- History, geography
- nationality
- Greek (subject of the Persian Empire, later citizen of Thurii)
- known_for
- Writing the Histories, covering the Greco-Persian Wars and cultural backgrounds
Lore & Background
Herodotus was born around 485 BC in Halicarnassus, a Greek city under Persian control. According to the Suda, his family was influential, and he was related to the epic poet Panyassis. He wrote in the Ionian dialect, though born in a Dorian settlement; the Suda claims he learned it on Samos, but inscriptions show Ionic was used in Halicarnassus. He traveled widely, including to Egypt, Tyre, and Babylon, and later migrated to Athens around 447 BC, where he admired the democracy and knew local topography and leading citizens. Plutarch says he received a financial reward from the Athenian assembly.
Reader's Guide
Herodotus's Histories preserve the achievements of Greeks and non-Greeks, focusing on the causes of the Greco-Persian Wars. He included cultural, ethnographical, and geographical background, which some contemporaries like Thucydides criticized as containing legends and fanciful accounts. Herodotus defended himself by saying he reported what he saw and was told. Modern historians and archaeologists have confirmed a sizeable portion of his work. His method of inquiry (historia) and his broad scope established him as a foundational figure in historical writing, despite ancient disputes over accuracy. His work remains a key source for understanding the Persian Empire and Greek city-states of the 5th century BC.
Did You Know?
- Herodotus was a Persian subject, as Halicarnassus was under Persian control in the 5th century BC.
- The Suda claims Herodotus led a revolt that overthrew the tyrant Lygdamis, though this is doubted.
- According to Plutarch, Herodotus was granted 10 talents by the Athenian assembly for his work.
- A late source says Plesirrhous the Thessalian was Herodotus's eromenos and heir, suggesting he died childless.
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"I know that human happiness never remains long in the same place." — Herodotus "Men trust their ears less than their eyes." — Herodotus "In peace sons bury fathers, but in war fathers bury sons." — Herodotus "Variant translation: In peace, children inter their parents; war violates the order of nature and causes parents to inter their children." — Herodotus
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