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143 pages 4 hours read

Herodotus

Histories

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | BCE

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Herodotus’ Histories recount the Greco-Persian Wars of the early 5th century BCE, detailing the origins, rise, and expansion of the Persian Empire under rulers like Cyrus the Great, Cambyses, and Darius, and their confrontations with Greek city-states, culminating in key battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea, highlighting the Greeks' defense against Persian invasion.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Herodotus' Histories is lauded for its detailed narrative and pioneering approach to recording historical events, blending fact with engaging storytelling. Readers appreciate its cultural insights and the fascinating portrayal of ancient civilizations. However, some critics find its frequent digressions and anecdotal style distract from the core historical narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Histories?

A reader who appreciates Histories by Herodotus is likely a history enthusiast fascinated by ancient cultures and narratives. They might also enjoy The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides or The History of Rome by Livy, seeking comprehensive, primary-source insights into antiquity.

Book Details
Pages

771

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Ancient Greece • 5th century BCE

Theme
Publication Year

-1

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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