330: Herodotus: The Birth of History

Herodotus

Schopenhauer said that everything that history will become is already there in Herodotus.

There was no Herodotus before Herodotus is the famous maxim.

Tom Holland

So that, Tom Holland, as you well know, is the beginning of the book The Wolf Girl, The Greeks and the Gods.

Episode summary

Born on the Western edge of an empire that stretched all the way to India, Herodotus was a Greek historian of the 5th century BC. His major work The Histories, a long and detailed account of the Greco-Persian Wars and the cultures of the ancient world, is considered the founding work of History in Western literature. Herodotus was known for his thorough research, his use of eyewitness accounts, and his engaging storytelling style, and was not impervious to feuding with other historians… Join Tom and Dominic as they look into the life of the "father of History". *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia! Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith

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Herodotus

The host discusses Herodotus's unique perspective as a historian who encompasses a global view, contrasting him with…

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The host discusses the significance of Herodotus as the first historian and connects it to the narrative of Gorgo in…

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Herodotus and history(2)Tom Holland's book introduction(1)

Tom Holland

The host briefly introduces Tom Holland's book 'The Wolf Girl, The Greeks and the Gods' while discussing the characte…

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The conversation centers on Herodotus and history.
A second recurring theme is Tom Holland's book introduction.
Referenced books include Histories by Herodotus and Herodotus.
The strongest audience signal points to Students and enthusiasts of history and historiography and History enthusiasts and readers interested in ancient narratives.

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Students and enthusiasts of history and historiographyHistory enthusiasts and readers interested in ancient narrativesReaders interested in historical narratives and children's literature.

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Herodotus

Best for Students and enthusiasts of history and historiographyOften cited around Herodotus and history

“Herodotus speaks to people who had taken part in the events of the Persian invasion, marking the birth of historical method and the creation of history.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Herodotus and history

For: Students and enthusiasts of history and historiography

Key quote: “Schopenhauer said that everything that history will become is already there in Herodotus.”

The host discusses Herodotus's unique perspective as a historian who encompasses a global view, contrasting him with Thucydides. This mention highlights the significance of Herodotus's work, 'Histories,' as a foundational text in the development of historical method and ethnography.

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Best for History enthusiasts and readers interested in ancient narrativesOften cited around Herodotus and history

“The podcast discusses Herodotus, referred to as the father of history, and his significant contributions to historical writing.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Herodotus and history

For: History enthusiasts and readers interested in ancient narratives

Key quote: “There was no Herodotus before Herodotus is the famous maxim.”

The host discusses the significance of Herodotus as the first historian and connects it to the narrative of Gorgo in Tom Holland's book. This connection highlights the themes of war and storytelling that are central to both Herodotus's work and Holland's interpretation.

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Tom Holland

Best for Readers interested in historical narratives and children's literature.Often cited around Tom Holland's book introduction

“Tom Holland discusses his book which features Gorgo, a Spartan princess, and explores the historical context of the war involving Greeks and Persians.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Tom Holland's book introduction

For: Readers interested in historical narratives and children's literature.

Key quote: “So that, Tom Holland, as you well know, is the beginning of the book The Wolf Girl, The Greeks and the Gods.”

The host briefly introduces Tom Holland's book 'The Wolf Girl, The Greeks and the Gods' while discussing the character Gorgo, a Spartan princess. This mention serves to highlight the intertwining of historical narratives and the storytelling approach of Holland.

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Histories

The Rest Is History · 11:30

Schopenhauer said that everything that history will become is already there in Herodotus.

Herodotus

The Rest Is History · 2:11

There was no Herodotus before Herodotus is the famous maxim.

The Wolf Girl, The Greeks and the Gods

The Rest Is History · 1:57

So that, Tom Holland, as you well know, is the beginning of the book The Wolf Girl, The Greeks and the Gods.

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Mentioned at 11:30

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Herodotus

The host discusses Herodotus's unique perspective as a historian who encompasses a global view, contrasting him with Thucydides. This mention highl…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Mentioned at 2:11

Check price Jump to mention

The host discusses the significance of Herodotus as the first historian and connects it to the narrative of Gorgo in Tom Holland's book. This conne…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Mentioned at 1:57