Greek Historiography: Exploring Early Greek Historians
Greek historiography originated in Greece, with pioneers like Homer and Hesiod laying the foundation through their writings. The emergence of logographers shifted focus to prose writing for historical accounts. Hecataeus, born in the 6th century B.C., challenged ancient myths with critical examination. The period between Hecataeus and Herodotus saw works by various historians providing insights for Herodotus. Greek historiography reflects a blend of genealogy, geography, and ethnography, shaping the historical narrative. Ionia's role in fostering historical writing is significant, particularly in Miletus, where the earliest prose and historiography emerged. The charm and vigor of youth in Herodotus' historiography contrast with Thucydides' mature approach. Greek interest in family genealogies, geography, and culture highlights a deep-rooted curiosity in understanding historical phenomena.
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SRI VASAVI COLLEGE, ERODE P.G. & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY COURSE: HISTORIOGRAPHY: THEORY AND METHODS CLASS: II M.A. History TOPIC: GREEK HISTORIOGRAPHY DATE: 03.09.2021 TIME: 12.00 P.M TO 1.00 P.M. Dr. S.Z. NIAZUDEEN, Assistant Professor of History
GREECE THE HOME OF HISTORIOGRAPHY In Herotodus historiography has all the charm and vigour of youth; in Thucydides it has already reached a degree of maturity which no later age has ever surpassed
IONIA Ionia is the birth place of Greek history. Miletus provided the environment for the development of science, philosophy and history The earliest prose and historiography was produced in Miletus.
PIONEER HISTORIANS Greeks were interest in keeping the geneologies of their families. Great interest in geography and ethnography ( the scientific description of peoples and cultures with their customs, habits, and mutual differences.)
HOMER AND HESIOD First writings of historical importance was the Poems of Homer Controversy regarding the poems Hesiod-Greek poet-interest in theology-gives us the story of birth of gods and their dealings with men.
Emergence of logograophol Prose writing. Poetry cannot be a medium of explanation of social phenomena. Ionia facilitated the writing of history
HECATAEUS Born in 6thcentury B.C. in a aristrocratic family. Undertook extensive travels of Egypt. Produced Travels around the World Book of local Genealogies Criticized ancient myths Truthfulness and critical examination of myths
Period between Hecataeus and Herodotus Histories of Persia by Charon of Lampsacus Historical Biography by Scylax of Caryanda History of the people of Greece by Anthiochus of Syracuse Hellanicus of Lesbos. These works proved of immense help to Herodotus
HERODOTUS (480-430 B.C.) Born in Halicarnassus, in 480 B.C.-Asia Minor-a Dorian settlement. Significant contributions to history and anthropology He is regarded as the father of History and Anthropology.
His life Born in family of political influence Studied Greek poetry Impressed by Homer s epics and Hecataeus Exiled at the age of 32 because of the involvement in political intrigue. Travelled extensively Difficulties dangers during travels
Travels Travelled as far as persia and as far west at italy He knew the Coast of Black Sea and had been to Arabia In Egypt went up the Nile to Assouam Trace, Scythia, Babylon, Cyrene, Libia, Sicily and India. After exile-settled down in Athens and lived in the court of Pericles for 40 years
HIS HISTORIES Notes concerning the geography, history and manners of the people Enquired with an eye of a scientiest and curiosity of a child. His Histories consists of 9 books First five books-explains the early conflicts between the East and West and the development in Greece. sixth explains Ionian revolt and campaigns of Marathon.
The last three books describes the Graeco- Persian Wars. Most part of his books were devoted to journeys.
Special features of his writings No patriotic bias Shows fairness to Persians Admires their valour 1. He wrote not only about the political affairs but also tried to deal with numerous social and cultural practices 2. He made extensive use of the evidence. 3. He started the tradition of introducing the history of one nation to another
Special features of his writings 4. He started the practice of converting the legend-writing into science of history 5. He adopted a rational approach and tried to find out what men have done and why they did it. 6. Tried to analyse the reasons for a particular action.
