The Histories

Herodotus, from Halicarnassus, presents his inquiries to preserve human achievement from the ravages of time, ensuring that the glory of both Greeks and barbarians is remembered, particularly the reasons behind their wars. Completed in the late 5th century BC, this work is often hailed as the first history and a monumental piece of non-fiction. Few history texts rival the drama of Herodotus's accounts of the Persian invasions of Greece, including the epic battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea. Beyond these narratives, his work serves as a vital source of knowledge about the ancient world. An endlessly curious individual, Herodotus sought information from diverse people and places, exploring topics from Egyptian pyramids to the Scythians' cannabis habits. His phrases, such as "rich as Croesus," have become ingrained in our language, even among those unfamiliar with his writings. While sometimes skeptical and at other times credulous, his passion for storytelling shines through. As Tom Holland notes, Herodotus is among the most entertaining historians. This new translation by a prominent young historian captures the drama and mystery of his work, making it a perfect moment to engage with the text that first aimed to organize knowledge in an ever-changing informational landscape.