The Roman orator Cicero dubbed Herodotus the “father of history.” 19th-century skeptics called him the “father of lies.” Since antiquity, scholars have debated Herodotus’ reliability, his methods, and his sincerity. In this episode, host Scott Emmons examines the life and work of the author who, for better or for worse, is our chief literary source for early Greek history.

For visuals supplementing this episode, check out Episode 31 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Suggested Reading:
Robert B. Strassler, ed., The Landmark Herodotus
T. J. Luce, The Greek Historians
John L. Myres, Herodotus Father of History
Donald Lateiner, The Historical Method of Herodotus

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In 499 BCE, Aristagoras of Miletus led the Ionian Greek cities in a revolt against the Persian Empire. Athens sent a force of 20 ships to support her allies. As Herodotus puts it, “These ships were the beginning of evils for both the Greeks and the barbarians.” In this episode, host Scott Emmons guides you through the five-year revolt, which brought Persia and Greece closer to the great confrontations of the following two decades.

For visuals illustrating aspects of this episode, check out Episode 30 at epicgreekhistory.substack.com.

Reading Suggestions:
Herodotus, Histories Books 5-6
Tom Holland, Persian Fire: The First World Empire and the Battle for the West
J. M. Cook, The Persian Empire
Peter Green, The Greco-Persian Wars
Robin Osborne, Greece in the Making 1200-479 BC

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Look! It's another podcaster sharing his thoughts about the new Odyssey movie! Opinions expressed here are solely those of a philhellenic film buff.

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