The Histories by Herodotus is an exploration of the history of the Greeks and Persians and the many conflicts that spanned this period. This writing is unique in that it does not solely chronicle the events that took place but instead serves as an analysis of how and why history played out the way it did.
Herodotus seeks answers for these great historical mysteries and does not seem satisfied with just recounting them in their base state. In the process, he fabricated a story built upon the foundation of what was known and filled in the holes of the plot to the best of his ability based on his findings.
Central to the story is the conflict between the Persians and Greeks. In the section examining the history of Egypt, much can be gleaned about its role in the events taking place around us. In his account of Egypt, Herodotus breathes life into what could be a simple recollection of its history and customs.
Herodotus states “About Egypt I shall have a great deal more to relate because of the number of remarkable things which the country contains.” Egypt overall had very little to do with the Greco-Persian war, and yet he treats the area with the same level of care and detail that he did with the other places.
It is easy to tell through his writing that he relied on witnessing the country’s customs and geography firsthand. Herodotus goes into detail about the great wealth and power to be found in Egypt.
That is where his story connects to the present day, as it explains why Persia sought to conquer the great nation while it was under the rule of Amasis. Herodotus goes through the stories of many kings and pharaohs of Egypt, but none more so than Amasis.
Herodotus tells of how “Amasis became fond of Hellenes in general, and he displayed a special warmth for those who came to Egypt.” Based off his account, we know Amasis and the country were great allies of Greece, and the Persian’s conquest of the country was one of the deciding factors as to why the Greco-Persian war would take place.
The account of Egypt connects to the work, weaving itself in as one piece of the puzzle that is the history of Greece and the Persian Empire. Each area is integral to understanding the greater history of this portion of the continent.
Book two serves as an example of how Herodotus treated the Histories as not just an account but an inquiry into why. The reader can gain greater insight into the motivations of the leaders of these great nations, and better understand the domino effect of history.
Herodotus was not satisfied with any stone being left unturned. By going throughout the areas and investigating each one’s culture, he was better able to understand and write its role.
Herodotus, & Rhodes, P. J. (2019). Histories. Liverpool University Press.
