History

Of course people started to describe and to analyze the past a long time ago, and history, as a matter of fact, was firstly invented in ancient Greece.
Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century B.C.E. is known as the “Father of History”. The preface of his writing “Histories” begins with the exposure of the author’s intention of collecting deeds and facts, as well as the causes behind them, in order to keep them in humans’ memory.


“This is the Showing forth of the Inquiry of Herodotus of Halicarnassus, to the end that neither the deeds of men may be forgotten by lapse of time, nor the works great and marvellous, which have been produced some by Hellenes and some by Barbarians, may lose their renown; and especially that the causes may be remembered for which these waged war with one another.”

However, the facts reported by Herodotus are not very accurate. Since he relies only on oral accounts, and he includes in his writings also myths, rumours and gossips, the perspective he offers is far from being objective and his presentation often appears as contradictory and inexact.


Whereas Thucydides, an Athenian who also lived in the 5th century B.C.E, can be considered as the “Father of Scientific History”. This author writes about the Peloponnesian war and the events that occurred during his lifetime and which he was able to verify trough examination of eyewitnesses or written records. He states that truth can be reached only through an accurate investigation of each detail and for this reason he not only recounts the events but he also attempts to find the apparent as well as the profound cause that triggers them. By aiming at objectivity he can be considered as the first author who used a historical method to describe his time.

What do you think? Is this his-story true? Check below for the solution..

 

Solution:
Of course it is, and Herodotus and Thucydides have both been great authors!

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