Read the excerpt from Histories: On Sparta and then participate in the discussion.  How are the Spartans described? How is Xeres portrayed by Herodotus? To what extent do you think this was a realistic account? Explain.

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Read the excerpt from Histories: On Sparta and then participate in the discussion. 

  • How are the Spartans described?
  • How is Xeres portrayed by Herodotus?
  • To what extent do you think this was a realistic account? Explain.

 

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Herodotus is considered to be the 'father of history' for writing the work "The Histories" in the 5th century BCE. He hailed from Greece and is known for providing us with a detailed account of the Greco-Persian Wars. He has highlighted in his account how the Greeks struggled to fight against the Persian Empire. His work is highly recognized for the insights he has provided of the various accounts that he has documented. His work not only covers the tenure of prominent kings but also mentions the combat of Thermopylae, Salamis to name a few. Although he has been criticized (even by Thucydides) for providing ornamental accounts and even creating stories, he is considered to be the father of history for the observational and analytical power he exhibited through his work.

Sparta is the well-known city-state of ancient Greece and Spartans (900BCE - 192 BCE) are the people who inhabited the territory. They are known in history for the powerful creation of their army, their military tactics, and as a warrior race. Their participation in the Peloponnesian War is well-documented in history. The social institution of the Spartans is widely acclaimed, like the Spartan women in history. 

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