7 Surprising Stories from Herodotus' Histories

How reliable do you think ancient historians like Herodotus were? And what are your favourite stories in Herodotus’ works?

In Herodotus V 33 the tyrant Aristagoras and the persian Megabates try to get hold of Naxos but dont get along very well. Megabates turns out to be picky and conjures up a argument about the discipline of the guards. Aristagoras says: you really want to have a say in anything do you? They get mad about each other and they fail in taking over Naxos. Could this be the first description of micromanagement and its toxic consequences?

Herodotus was more a folklorist than a historian, which is all he himself claimed to be.

I’m delving into Herodotus after I read Epicurus and Lucretius.

His descriptions of Egypt are my favorite

Great Video. This passage from Herodotus’ The Histories 8.68 (tr. Godley) always stands out to me:

“And I say to you this: spare your ships, and do not fight at sea. Their men are as much stronger than your men by sea as men are stronger than women. Why is it so necessary for you to risk everything by fighting at sea? Do you not possess Athens, for which you set out on this march, and do you not have the rest of Hellas? No one stands in your way. Those who opposed you have received what they deserved. I will tell you how I think the affairs of your enemies will turn out: If vou do not hurry to hght at sea, but keep your ships here and stay near land, or even advance into the Peloponnese, then, my lord, you will easily accomplish what you had in mind on coming here. The Hellenes are not able to hold out against you for a long time, but you will scatter them, and they will each flee to their own cities. I have learned that they have no food on this island, and it is not likely, if you lead your army against the Peloponnese, that those of them who have come from there will sit still, nor will they care to fight at sea for Athens. But if you hurry to fight at sea immediately, I fear that your fleet if reduced to cowardice may also injure your army on land. In addition, my King, take this to heart: Good people's slaves tend to be base, and the slaves of the base tend to be good. You, who are best among men, have base slaves, who are accounted your allies, the Egyptians and Cyprians and Cilicians and Pamphylians, who are of no use at all.”

What do you think is the true significance and legacy of Artemisia I of Caria as expressed in this passage by Herodotus? I ask because it seems bizarre that a Greek on the opposite side in the war would give her so much praise in his work.

People tell me Herodotus was inaccurate as a historian. Are you telling me a guy wasn't kidnapped by pirates, thrown overboard to drown, and rescued by dolphins whom he rode all the way home?

Let’s be honest your retelling isn’t even close to accurate. So I’ll take herodatus over this sophomoric nonsense

He also speaks of the dacians, the ancestors of romanians (myself included). He says they are the bravest of the Thracians and says of their god Xalmoxis who was according to him according to him, a freed slave of Pythagoras who ascended to godhood.

So you show his map but nobody is talking about Atlantis?

Hmm he never once spoke of hebrews or jews. But according to biblical history the jews ruled all the lands more then once

Wish if she brings the microphone closer to her. Sorry, the audio is pretty bad. Sorry again. Peace :)

Herodotus indeed is a great, true and wonderful source of information about history and gives many clues about ancient times! Bravo Kelly and WHE!

Excellent video.

I remember reading Herodotus and I really enjoyed it. The stories are quite entertaining.

it's amazing

I like all!!!

Nice video! Keep up the great work!

Country and Customs of the Scythians
Herodotus is convinced that the Sycthians descend from Heracles, which makes them the youngest people in the world. There are several Greek cities on the shores of the Black Sea, where people have a more or less decent lifestyle.