num_pages: 716
description: One of the masterpieces of classical literature, the "Histories" describes how a small and quarrelsome band of Greek city states united to repel the might of the Persian empire. But while this epic struggle forms the core of his work, Herodotus' natural curiosity frequently gives rise to colorful digressions - a description of the natural wonders of Egypt; an account of European lake-dwellers; and far-fetched accounts of dog-headed men and gold-digging ants. With its kaleidoscopic blend of fact and legend, the "Histories" offers a compelling Greek view of the world of the fifth century BC.
language: English
title: The Histories
titlecomplete: The Histories
characters: Psamtik I, Kleombrotos, Massagetai, Mardonius, Kandaules, Labda, Candaules of Lydia, Hydarnes II, Mardonlos, Amasis II, Artabazos I of Phrygia, Hermotimos, Thales of Miletus, Leonidas, Artemisia I of Caria, Gyges of Lydia, Tomyris (Massagetean Queen), Gorgos, Apollo (Greek god), Histiaios, Bagaios, Leotychidas, Eurybiades, Pausanias of Sparta, Cambyses I, Croesus, Themistocles, Cyrus the Great, Leutychides, Aphrodite (Greek Goddess), Adrastos, Hekataios, Megabazus, Xerxes I of Persia, Maeandrius, Harpagos, Solon (of Athens), Artyphius, Artaphrenes, Kepheus, Psamtik III, Necos, Ister, Kypselos
genres: Greece, Mythology, Historical, Philosophy, Ancient History, Literature, Classics, Nonfiction, History, Ancient
ratings_count: 50374
places: Sparta, Babylon, Ecbatana, Cappadocia, Sardis (now: Sart), Delphi, Halys River, Egypt, Marathon, Salamis, Corynth, Athens, Cytherea, Lydia, Ascalon (now: Ashkelon)
publisher: Penguin Books