TED-ED: Why is Herodotus called The Father of History? - Mark Robinson

Herodotus, a 5th-century BCE Greek writer, revolutionized historical recording by seeking rational explanations for events, rather than attributing them to divine will. His work, 'The Histories,' covers the Persian Wars, highlighting key battles like Marathon and Thermopylae. Herodotus's methodology involved collecting stories and evidence from various sources, using reason to draw conclusions. Despite criticisms of bias and inaccuracies, his innovative approach earned him the title 'The Father of History.' His work spread as Greek influence grew, shaping the way history is studied.

What was Herodotus's new approach to recording history?

• Ignoring non-Greek accounts

• Exploring causes and perspectives

• Listing events without explanation

• Accepting events as divine will

Which battle marked an unexpected victory for the Athenians against the Persians?

• Battle of Thermopylae

• Battle of Salamis

• Battle of Plataea

• Battle of Marathon

How did Herodotus collect stories for his historical accounts?

• By consulting only Greek sources

• Through divine inspiration

• By reading ancient texts

• By traveling and gathering eyewitness accounts

What does the Greek word 'autopsy' mean in the context of Herodotus's research?

• Rational thinking

• Tradition

• Hearsay

• Seeing for oneself

What was one of the inaccuracies in Herodotus's accounts that modern evidence has explained?

• The gold-digging ants

• The number of Persian soldiers

• The location of Thermopylae

• The existence of flying snakes

What title did Cicero give to Herodotus?

• The Father of History

• The Father of Geography

• The Father of Philosophy

• The Father of Mythology

What was a notable bias in Herodotus's historical accounts?

• Favoring the Persians over the Greeks

• Favoring the Greeks over the Persians

• Exaggerating the role of gods

• Ignoring the role of women