Herodotus describes the fighting in the Persian camp at great length, pointing out that the Spartans are unable to take it until the Athenians have arrived. The story of the the Thracian king who blinded his sons for serving with Xerxes (116). A story about the boyhood of Alexander's ancestor, Perdiccas (137-38). Rejoicing at Susa over the capture of Athens turns to mourning over the defeat at Salamis (99). Xerxes hold a conference with his commanders, all of whom favor a sea fight at Salamis, except Queen Artemisia of Halicarnassus (67). Although the Greeks have lost at Thermopylae, their real strength rests in their fleet. Herodotus Book 1 Commentary 2nd ed. This battle forms the centre-piece of book VIII of Herodotus' Histories. Arguably, it also rests in Themistocles (c. 524–460 BCE), who is just the cunning leader the Greeks need. In its first logos, we witness the naval … Xerxes tries to hide the massive casualties suffered at Thermopylae, but they are so numerous that Herodotus considers the attempt laughable. The Athenians plan to evacuate Attica, and halt the Greek fleet at Salamis for this purpose; but the Peloponnesians are planning to make their stand further south, at the Isthmus of Corinth (40). In retreat from Euboea, Themistocles leaves inscribed messages urging the Ionian Greeks to defect (22). 7 Feb. 2019. Book 1 - CLIO Book 2 - EUTERPE Book 3 - THALIA Book 4 - MELPOMENE Book 5 - TERPSICHORE Book 6 - ERATO Book 7 - POLYMNIA Book 8 - URANIA Book 9 - CALLIOPE Brief history of Persia - tiny index to Herodotus Histories Book 8 Summary & Analysis Book 8 Summary Book 8 traces the movements of the Greek and Persian forces after the battle of Thermopylae, as Xerxes continues his march toward Attica. On the beach at Euboea, Themistocles plans to split the Ionian Greeks and Carians from the Persian coalition (19). (50). Summary of Herodotus Arms of TCS This is a chapter-by-chapter summary, with occasional notes, of the Histories of Herodotus, based mostly on the translation by Peter Greene (1987), with occasional reference to translations by A.D. Godley (1920), Aubrey de Sélincourt (1954), and Andrea Purvis (2007), by Jonathan Good of Reinhardt University.   Privacy Along the way they attempt to occupy the Temple of Apollo at Delphi (home of the oracle) but are repulsed by a landslide caused by a sudden thunderstorm. Themistocles appeals to Eurybiades, and hints that the Athenian fleet may desert the alliance (62). Some Chians escape to Ephesus, where they are mistaken for invaders and slain by the Ephesians, who are trying to protect their women who are at the Thesmophoria (16). Herodotus shows his belief in divine intervention with the story of the miraculous delivery of Delphi, home of the famous oracle. Herodotus is the guy who invented history. When a messenger arrives to inform the Greeks of the defeat at Thermopylae, the Greek navy retreats from Artemisium. Aristides (the Athenian politician) arrives at Salamis and tells Themistocles that the Greek fleet is hemmed in (79). Catalogue of Greek naval forces at Salamis (43-48). Apollo demands an additional offering from the Aeginetans (121-22). The battle begins. 3. Eurybiades the Spartan is in command of the fleet; why the allies were unwilling to have an Athenian in command, and why they later changed their minds (2-3). Course Hero, "Histories Study Guide," February 7, 2019, accessed December 23, 2020, https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Histories/. Have study documents to share about Histories? 1. The Greek commander was the admiral of the small Spartan squadron, a man named Eurybiades. Course Hero. He sends a secret message to Xerxes informing him of how he, Themistocles, has convinced the Greeks not to hinder Xerxes' retreat (110). Themistocles sends a double-agent to Xerxes. Herodotus always states that for him the stories are or seem far fetched but he relates them to us, faithfully as he has heard them been narrated to him. Heroism of the Chians in a losing cause; they brought 100 ships with 40 epibatai on each (15). [2] Mr. Woods, for example, in his edition of the first book (published in 1873) gives a list of readings for the first Alexander addresses the Athenians, urging them to accept an honorable settlement with Xerxes or face destruction (140). Mardonius, to protect himself, urges Xerxes to keep fighting in Greece, or to go home and leave him, Mardonius, in command of 300,000 troops (100). A detachment of 200 Persian ships tries to sail around Euboea and surprise the Greeks (7). The Persians find a few Athenians barricaded on the Acropolis, which these Athenians think is the oracle's "wooden wall" (51). The Greek fleet sails to Aegina under Leotychidas the Spartan; his genealogy (131). The popular story that he swam 10 miles under water is doubted by Hdt. Persian troops land on Psyttaleia to kill any shipwrecked Greeks who might swim ashore, and the Persian fleet is positioned to block the egress from the bay (76). In the next couple of days, more clashes ensue, with the final engagement the most even. Herodotus's Histories Chapter Summary. His armies, meanwhile, continue their advance into central Greece. In accordance with their plan, the Greeks sail to Artemisium, where they see the Persian fleet. (17 mb, .pdf -- rev. (8) Next day, when the detachment fails to appear, the Greeks One oracle was delivered to Mardonius in Carian (135). Find summaries for every chapter, including a Histories Chapter Summary Chart to help you understand the book. An oracle is ignored by the Euboeans (20). (2019, February 7). Themistocles acquiesces, and points out that the gods have punished Xerxes for his impious and hubristic actions (109). Artemisia wisely urges Xerxes to wait and allow the fragile Panhellenic coalition to break up; she points out the worthlessness of some of his allied forces (68). The English Patient Chapter IV, page 2 Philosophy of History Section 1 Night falls, and with it another violent storm (12). Delphi is evacuated; Apollo says he will protect the temple treasures (36). The Spartans must have command of the fleet even though Eurybiades seems an inferior commander to Themistocles. However, the rivalry between the Greek cities continues even when they are united against a common enemy. They fight an inconclusive battle with heavy losses on both sides (16). Two Persian captains who distinguished themselves (85). Themistocles argues for the strategic advantages of fighting in the narrow waters near Salamis (60). (8) Next day, when the detachment fails to appear, the Greeks decide to attack the main fleet (9). The Persian fleet proceeds toward Salamis; the Greek fleet feels cornered (70). A defense of the veracity of oracles (77). Casualties occur on both sides; but the Greeks' ability to swim saves many of them (89). February 7, 2019. It is in part a gripping and much revered tale of colossal confrontation between freedom-loving Greek-speaking peoples (the Athenians, Spartans, and others) and the seemingly unstoppable forces of … Delphi was one of the largest and wealthiest temples in Greece, dedicated to the god Apollo. The Persian army retreats north to Thessaly; Mardonius selects his troops (113). Chapter Summary Book 1, The Story of Croesus Herodotus opens by stating and the rest of Greece (94). The Persians abandon the siege of Potidaea (128-29). 2. Herodotus credits Themistocles with many of the triumphs that follow. In response to the Spartan envoys, the Athenians remind them of the sacrifices Athens has made for Greece, and urge the Spartans to prepare to fight a major land battle in Boeotia. Course Hero, Inc. Salamis Preliminaries; Xerxes on the Acropolis of Athens. Aristides does so, but he is not believed (81). The Greek fleet retreats southwards (18). Why some Spartan envoys happened to be in Athens at the time of Alexander's appeal (141). The oligarch (supporter of rule by a few, especially the aristocracy but could also be the best educated) points out the inherent danger of democracy -- mob rule. Dispensator Humanitatum 2,662 views 15:27 Herodotus Book 8 - Duration: 11:26. Olynthus falls (127). Course Hero, Inc. As a reminder, you may only use Course Hero content for your own personal use and may not copy, distribute, or otherwise exploit it for any other purpose. Next day, the Persian fleet attacks en masse in crescent formation (15). Almásy keeps this book with him everywhere he goes, a fat volume that could explode at any The popular story that he swam 10 miles under water is doubted by Hdt. The council at Salamis votes to retreat to the isthmus (56). An Athenian/Aeginetan controversy over which ship struck first (84). MVPs were the Egyptians, on the Persian side, and the Athenians on the Greek side (17). Dionysius escapes to Sicily with three captured ships and becomes a pirate (17). [7.8] After Egypt was subdued, Xerxes, being about to take in hand the expedition against Athens, called together an assembly of the noblest Persians to learn their opinions, and to lay before them his own designs. Themistocles allegedly has an ulterior motive, namely the future good will of Xerxes, should he need it. Mardonius sends his agent Mys ("Mouse") to consult the oracles (133). 23 Dec. 2020. 2015. During the battle, Aristides uses some hoplites to retake Psyttaleia (95). The Persian fleet advances; Persians occupy the northern tip of Euboea (23). Themistocles is urged by Mnesiphilus, an Athenian, to prevent this retreat (57). How Artabazus exchanged a secret message with an accomplice inside Potidaea. The army crosses the Hellespont by ships, since the bridges have been destroyed by storms (117). The battle ends with the retreat of those Persian ships not yet destroyed; another prophecy is fulfilled (96). Xerxes sends a message home; the Persian pony express is described (98). The Corinthians furiously debate Themistocles, calling him "a man without a country", but Themistocles hold his ground (61). Herodotus wrote and compiled a history of the wars of the Grecians and Persians of the fifth century b.c.e. In its first logos, we witness the naval engagement on the sea between Aphetae and Artemisium. Thermopylae has fallen, and the plan must change. The Histories Herodotus TRANSLATED BY GEORGE RAWLINSON BOOK 1 THESE are the researches of Herodotus of Halicarnassus, which he publishes, in … The Spartan and Corinthian commanders are cut in by Themistocles, and their objections are quieted (5). Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. The Country and Customs of the Scythians, - By staging Proteus as king of Egypt in the Histories Herodotus breaks with the mythological tradition of Proteus as an immortal seer and sea-god. Themistocles convinces Eurybiades, the Spartan commander, to reconvene the council (58). 53 triremes arrive from Athens in reinforcement; a minor skirmish takes place (14). Twenty-third logos: the naval battle off Artemisium (8.1-39) Book Seven endedwith a Greek defeat, but in Book Eight we will hear about Greek successes. Themistocles urges him to tell the allied commanders himself (80). Herodotus has been called the “father of history.”An engaging narrator with a deep interest in the customs of the people he described, he remains the leading source of original historical information not only for Greece between 550 and 479 BCE but also for much of western Asia and Egypt at that time. Persians react with surprise upon hearing that the Olympic games have no cash prizes (26). Download a PDF to print or study offline. Xerxes in Greece: between Thermopylae and Salamis. An earthquake, and prayers (64). Artemisia advises that he leave Mardonius in command, since then Xerxes will have nothing to lose even if Mardonius fails; Xerxes agrees (102-3). The Persians sack the temples of many cities, but the gods so favor Delphi that they send a landslide and thunderstorm to shoo the Persian armies away. His account is confirmed by the crew of a ship from the island of Tenos; for this the Tenians were later inscribed on the Delphic victory tripod (82). Original article by Herodotus. The Acropolis is taken; the temples are ransacked and destroyed (53). The Persian fleet is in confusion; incredibly, the Athenians and Aeginetans cooperate with each other (91). Book Seven of Herodotus ' Histories ended with a Greek defeat, but in Book Eight we will hear about Greek successes. In accordance with their plan, the Greeks sail to Artemisium, where they see the Persian fleet. Speech of the Spartan envoys, urging the Athenians not to make a separate peace with Mardonius and Xerxes (142). Themistocles visits Sparta and is greatly honored there (124). Alexander's family tree (139). A deserter from the Persian fleet provides the Greeks with vital intelligence, and the Greeks decide to fight. Herodotus Book 1 - Duration: 15:27. The march of Xerxes back to the Hellespont, and the many deaths in the army from plague and hunger (115). A date is given: the archonship of Calliades, or 480 B.C. The book also illuminates Greek views of themselves and of peoples from the East, the prob The Battle of Salamis was the first great (and unexpected) victory of the Greeks over the Persian forces under Xerxes, whose defeat had important consequences for the subsequent history and self-image of Europe. Xerxes' difficulty in taking the Acropolis (52). The History of Herodotus By Herodotus Written 440 B.C.E Translated by George Rawlinson Table of Contents Book IV Melpomene After the taking of Babylon, an expedition was led by Darius into Scythia. The fleet commanders are urged by the Ionians to sail against the Persians at Samos; but mutual fear keeps both fleets on opposite sides of the Aegean (132). A demand by the Spartans for reparations is laughed off by Xerxes with a threat (114). A hasty decision to evacuate Attica is carried out (41; but epigraphical evidence (the "Decree of Themistocles") may be proof that the decision had in fact been made much earlier). The naval battle off Artemisium (8.1-39) Book Seven of Herodotus' Histories ended with a Greek defeat, but in Book Eight we will hear about Greek successes. News of the defeat at Thermopylae reaches the Greek fleet, which heads south (21). An embassy is sent by the Thessalians to the Phocians; how the Phocians had hurt the Thessalians in their border war before the Persian invasion (27-28). The story is told by Dicaeus the Athenian concerning the divine apparition of the procession for Demeter and Kore; clearly a bad omen for Xerxes (65). Mardonius sends Alexander of Macedon to negotiate with Athens (136). Accessed December 23, 2020. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Histories/. An Athenian story, that the Corinthians tried to sail away from the battle and had to be turned back by divine intervention, is firmly rejected by Hdt. The Thessalians demand surrender, and threaten to have the Persians overrun tiny Phocis, the site of the oracle at Delphi (29). Retrieved December 23, 2020, from https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Histories/. Hdt knows a story that Xerxes sailed all the way home in a ship, and made his retinue jump overboard to lighten the vessel in a storm (118). Herodotus' Histories, the twenty-third logos: Artemisium summary and contents by Jona Lendering ©. The Persian Campaigns Against the Scythians. Course Hero. 43 - Peloponnesians; 44 - Athenians (and how the Plataeans got left behind); 45 - Megarians, etc. His Histories primarily deals with the lives of Croesus, Cyrus, Cambyses, Smerdis, Darius, and Xerxes and the battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, Artemisium, Salamis, Plataea, and Mycale ; however, his many cultural, ethnographical, geographical, historiographical, and other digressions form a defining and essential part of the Histories and contain a wealth of information. Athenian fleet may desert the alliance herodotus book 8 summary 62 ) Athenians not to follow it ( 69 ) anticipated... 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