Unlike Herodotus, Thucydides saw war and politics as the activities of human beings- NOT gods
The two founders of Greek historical writing were Herodotus and Thucydides. While they had different styles, they attempted to be truthful and forthright.
The difference between the two's work is that one experienced the war and then wrote about it while the other just wrote about it not being present.
The difference between the two's work is that one experienced the war and then wrote about it while the other just wrote about it not being present.
Herodotus was widely traveled and wrote about everything. Thucydides wrote only about the Peloponnesian War.
Early historians often used information from unverifable sources.
Herodotus, often called the "Father of History," focused on storytelling and the cultural narratives of events, blending historical facts with mythology and personal anecdotes. In contrast, Thucydides adopted a more analytical and critical approach, emphasizing empirical evidence and a rigorous examination of political and military events, particularly in his account of the Peloponnesian War. While Herodotus sought to entertain and inform through a broad narrative, Thucydides aimed to provide a precise and objective account, prioritizing accuracy over narrative flair. This distinction highlights Herodotus's more anecdotal style versus Thucydides's emphasis on cause and effect in history.
Thucydides
Early historians often used information from unverifable sources.
Early historians often used information from unverifable sources.
Early historians often used information from unverifable sources.
History
Both Herodotus and Thucydides study the ideals that lead civilizations, like Persia, Athens and Sparta to war.