Abstract
This paper examines to what extent is it necessary to qualify the description of Herodotus as a historian. It looks at how Herodotus's perception of history is far removed from the critical eye of a modern historian, and this paper considers where the discrepancies lie and appreciates Herodotus's "Histories".

From the Paper
"Herodotus' attempts to draw moral lessons from the study of great events formed the basis of Greek and Roman historical tradition upheld by later historians such as Livy. He intended to arouse political awareness and responsibility by recalling examples from the events of the past. The Persian Wars, between Eastern and Western powers, brings to mind the Peloponnesian war; in the same way that Croesus did not have to attack Persia, nor did Athens have to attack Sicily. Like Aristophanes in his comedies, Herodotus is unable to entirely divorce his own political sympathies from his work. At 3.80-2 three figures give conflicting speeches on the virtues of democracy, oligarchy and monarchy."

Tags:croesus, agamemnon, persia

Abstract
This paper discusses how throughout Greek history the relationship between human beings and divine figures is a noticeable and predominant one, evident in myth, and especially literature. The author examines such literature of the time, in particular, Homer's Iliad and Herodotus' Histories, to better understand this unique and extraordinary relationship between humans and divine powers in the ancient Greek world.

From the Paper
"Throughout Greek history the relationship between human beings and divine figures is a noticeable and predominant one. Evidence of this relationship exists in many forms, such as architecture, art, myth, and especially literature. By examining the literature of the time, we as historians, philosophers and archaeologists, among others, can better understand this unique and extraordinary relationship between humans and divine powers in the ancient Greek world. The "Iliad" of Homer demonstrates many principles of this relationship through the story of the Trojan War. The characters, their actions and the events that take place demonstrate the interaction of humans and gods, the individual relationships, the authority of divine power, and the helplessness of humans. We also see the treachery and deceit of the gods towards humans. We can look at other later literary works such as Herodotus' Histories to examine the human and divine relationship as well."

Tags:antiquity, divinity, gods, heroes, religion, roman, trojan, war, achilleus, zeus, patroklos, croesus, apollo, athene, hektor