THUCYDIDES (Greek, c. 460-400 BCE)
An Athenian historian and general, and younger contemporary of the "Father of History," Herodotus. Unlike his predecessor's work, Thucydides's eight-book History of the Peloponnesian War seems to have stuck more to the facts, avoiding myths and legends. Thus, he has been called the father of "scientific history," more a swipe at Herodotus than an objective evaluation of his style: some see the History more as a work of literature than of pure history. Thucydides served as an Athenian general in that war and so had first-hand knowledge, and a deeper under standing of "how things worked." Still, his account is noteworthy for its neutrality.
- The Peloponnesian War was fought between Athens and her allies (the "Delian League") and Sparta and hers (the "Peloponnesian League").
Please leave a comment - I can't WAIT to hear from you!