Greek Historiography

This volume provides an accessible, comprehensive, and up-to-date survey of the ancient Greek genre of historical writing from its origins before Herodotus to the Greek historians of the Roman imperial era, seven centuries later.
* Focuses on the themes of power and human nature, causation, divine justice, leadership, civilization versus barbarism, legacy, and literary reception
* Includes thorough summaries alongside textual analysis that signpost key passages and highlight thematic connections, helping readers navigate their way through the original texts
* Situates historical writing among the forms of epic and lyric poetry, drama, philosophy, and science
* Uses the best current translations and includes a detailed list of further reading that includes important new scholarship

Preface vi

Abbreviations ix

Chapter 1: Origins and Early Forms of Greek Historiography 1

Chapter 2: Herodotus and the Limits of Happiness: Beyond Epic, Lyric, and Logography 26

Chapter 3: Thucydides on the Ends of Power 69

Chapter 4: Xenophon on Leadership and Moral Authority 126

Chapter 5: History and Rhetoric in Fourth?]Century Historians 160

Chapter 6: Diversity and Innovation in the Hellenistic Era 190

Chapter 7: Polybius on the Supremacy of a Balanced State 202

Chapter 8: Greek Historians in the Roman Era 237

Chapter 9: Concluding Observations on Greek Historical Writing 276

Further Reading 291

Index Locorum 300

Index 317