Module 5 Discussion: Histories
Forum Instructions
In a post below, respond to the following prompt, which assess the learning objectives for this module. Then, you must respond to 1 of your classmates' posts. You are not required to post more than once, but feel free to respond to other posts and engage with your classmates.
Your first post is due by the assigned date. Your response to another student is due by assigned due date.
Your response should be at least 3-4 sentences long. You must respond to at least one other student's post. A simple “I agree” or “Yes” or “LOL” will not count. Please think about the questions and your peers' responses and reply thoughtfully and courteously. Use good English grammar, correct punctuation, and complete sentences. While the posts will mostly be judged by their thoughtfulness and completeness, I reserve the right to take off points for grammatical errors or delete any postings that are off-topic or factually incorrect.
Prompt
Background: Herodotus is known as the "Father of History." He was a Greek historian who lived c. 484 BCE - c. 425 BCE. His famous book Histories recounts the Persian Wars (492 BCE - 449 BCE). In this war, the Persians and various Greek city-states fought with the Greeks ultimately winning. The excerpt below recounts how the Spartans (Lacemondians) were discussed prior to the Battle of Thermopylae.
Using the excerpt from Herodotus' Histories, evaluate WHY as a Greek historian, Herodotus would record this event.
Which culture today could be compared to the Spartans (Lacedaemonians)?
Respond to a respond to a classmate's post with a substantial response that moves the conversation forward.
When Xerxes heard that, he could not comprehend the fact that the Lacedaemonians were actually, to the best of their ability, preparing to kill or be killed. What they did appeared laughable to him, so he sent for Demaratus the son of Ariston, who was in his camp. [2] When this man arrived, he asked him about each of these matters, wanting to understand what it was that the Lacedaemonians were doing. Demaratus said, “You have already heard about these men from me, when we were setting out for Hellas, but when you heard, you mocked me, although I told you how I expected things to turn out. It is my greatest aim, O King, to be truthful in your presence. [3] So hear me now. These men have come to fight us for the pass, and it for this that they are preparing. This is their custom: when they are about to risk their lives, they arrange their hair. [4] Rest assured that if you overcome these men and those remaining behind at Sparta, there is no one else on earth who will raise his hands to withstand you, my King. You are now attacking the fairest kingdom in Hellas and men who are the very best.” [5] What he said seemed completely incredible to Xerxes, so he then asked how they, who were so few in number, would fight against his army. Demaratus answered, “My King, take me for a liar if this does not turn out as I say.” So he spoke, but he did not persuade Xerxes.
Herodotus, with an English translation by A. D. Godley. Cambridge. Harvard University Press. 1920.
The Annenberg CPB/Project provided support for entering this text.
CC BY-SA 3.0
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