Ancient Greek Historiography: Herodotus

The lectures for this course comprise the interpretation of selected passages from three books of Herodotus’ Histories so that the students may develop a better understanding of the Herodotean narrative and the horizon of expectations of his original audience (third quarter of 5th century BC). The discussion culminates in the narrative of the three main battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. All three are read both as historical facts and as narrative blocks.

Objectives

This course aims to faimiliarize students with the work of Herodotus. The lectures for this course comprise the interpretation of selected passages from three books of Herodotus’ Histories so that the students may develop a better understanding of the Herodotean narrative.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite knowledge is not needed.

Syllabus

The lectures for this course comprise the interpretation of selected passages from three books of Herodotus’ Histories so that the students may develop a better understanding of the Herodotean narrative and the horizon of expectations of his original audience (third quarter of 5th century BC). The discussion culminates in the narrative of the three main battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. All three are read both as historical facts and as narrative blocks.