Hist 201 essay 2: what was history to the first historians?

Herodotus and Thucydides were Greeks of the 5thcentury BCE (500 – 400 BCE) who wrote histories. Based upon this description, it would be reasonable to suppose that they had similar interests and views of the world. But close examination of their histories reveals profound differences between them. Follow the prompts below to illuminate key features of both historians’ work and evaluate how much, or little they had in common. A paragraph for each prompt will suffice. The text of Herodotus and Thucydides and evidence we have covered in class are the only sources you will need, but if you refer to ideas that are not your own please include a parenthetical citation like this: (Name, year, page number).

Word limit 3500 words. Due on Blackboard by 5:00pm on Wednesday, 11/14. 

What were Herodotus’ aims in writing his Histories? Discuss whether or not he tends to stick to these stated aims. Please use examples from the passages we have read to support your answer. (3 points)

What were Thucydides’ aims in writing his History of the Peloponnesian War? Discuss whether or not he tends to stick to these stated aims. Please use examples from the passages we have read to support your answer. (3 points)

Compare what Herodotus and Thucydides emphasize as important factors in historical change. Then compare the pattern historical change tends to take in each historian’s work. Be sure to support your answer with relevant examples from the work of each historian. (4 points)

Assess how reliable or accurate Herodotus’ Historiesare. Be sure to support your answer with relevant examples from passages of Herodotus that we have read and other sources of evidence that either corroborate or contradict what he writes in his Histories. Also be sure to consider whether or not he omits anything important. (3 points)

Assess how reliable or accurate Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian Waris. Be sure to support your answer with relevant examples from Thucydides that we have read, and pay particular attention to his comments on his own methods and his criticisms of other historians. Also be sure to consider whether or not he omits anything important. (3 points)

Compare Herodotus’ and Thucydides’ views of the Athenian democracy. Refer to specific examples from Herodotus’ Historiesand Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian Warto support your answer. (4 points)

Thucydides wrote after Herodotus and was probably familiar with Herodotus’ work. Think about what you have written above and the passages we have read from each author. Then try to determine what Thucydides might have thought of Herodotus’ Historiesand why he would have that opinion. Be sure to emphasize the evidence that you think is most convincing. (3 points)

Place your order
(550 words)

Approximate price: $22

Calculate the price of your order

550 words
We'll send you the first draft for approval by September 11, 2018 at 10:52 AM
Total price:
$26
The price is based on these factors:
Academic level
Number of pages
Urgency
Basic features
  • Free title page and bibliography
  • Unlimited revisions
  • Plagiarism-free guarantee
  • Money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 support
On-demand options
  • Writer’s samples
  • Part-by-part delivery
  • Overnight delivery
  • Copies of used sources
  • Expert Proofreading
Paper format
  • 275 words per page
  • 12 pt Arial/Times New Roman
  • Double line spacing
  • Any citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard)

Our guarantees

Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.

Money-back guarantee

You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.

Read more

Zero-plagiarism guarantee

Each paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.

Read more

Free-revision policy

Thanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.

Read more

Privacy policy

Your email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.

Read more

Fair-cooperation guarantee

By sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.

Read more