num_pages: 368
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: Histories of Herodotus
titlecomplete: Histories of Herodotus
characters: Histiaios, Solon (of Athens), Ister, Psamtik I, Hekataios, Mardonlos, Cyrus the Great, Pausanias of Sparta, Candaules of Lydia, Croesus, Megabazus, Kepheus, Leotychidas, Adrastos, Leutychides, Cambyses I, Maeandrius, Massagetai, Kypselos, Tomyris (Massagetean Queen), Artyphius, Hydarnes II, Labda, Artabazos I of Phrygia, Thales of Miletus, Gyges of Lydia, Artemisia I of Caria, Amasis II, Eurybiades, Artaphrenes, Apollo (Greek god), Necos, Psamtik III, Kleombrotos, Xerxes I of Persia, Hermotimos, Gorgos, Mardonius, Themistocles, Aphrodite (Greek Goddess), Leonidas, Harpagos, Kandaules, Bagaios
genres: Literature, Ancient, History, Mythology, Greece, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Historical, Ancient History, Classics
ratings_count: 50385
places: Marathon, Salamis, Egypt, Sardis (now: Sart), Cappadocia, Babylon, Ascalon (now: Ashkelon), Halys River, Ecbatana, Athens, Lydia, Cytherea, Corynth, Sparta, Delphi
publisher: J M Dent & Sons Ltd