Original: The earliest known critical historical works were The Histories composed by Herodotus of Halicarnassus (484 BC ca.425 BC), who became later known as the 'father of history' (Cicero).
Simplified: The very first historical works were The Histories composed by Herodotus of Halicarnassus (484 BC ca.425 BC), who became later known as the 'father of history' (Cicero).