Herodotus: The Persian Invasion Of Greece

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Herodotus was a writer and orator who lived in the fifth century who is considered to be the “Father of History” for the reason that he invented the field of study. Herodotus was the first man to have a credible system of collecting materials systematically for the means to keep his writings historically accurate. This is significant because the topic at hand which is the Persian invasion of Greece, was written in his book The Histories. The invasion was lead by the Persian King Xerxes, a tyrannical and superstitious ruler invaded Greece with the wrong intentions which ultimately lead to Greece showing their true colors. Herodotus promotes the character of the Greek culture as a whole in his writing as brave and prideful to explain how this battle was ultimately won by the underdogs (being Greece).
Xerxes’ intentions were observed as irrational because he was willing to send a quarter of a million men to die to avenge his father’s death (King Darrius) and country’s past loss to Greece. He was a superstitious tyrant because whenever his commands where not he would behead any and every innocent man who was involved. For example, when the Persian army was trying to cross the bridge into Europe and failed because of a storm he executed every person who needed to use the channel for business. He also commanded that feathers …show more content…
Of which three hundred brave Spartans lead by King Leonidas held then quarter million Persians off for two days at Thermopylae. All of this taking place during 479-480 B.C. While their forces were very small they had the most sophisticated battle technique in the given time period. The Spartans were all raised to be educated for war, and all Spartan men did not take up any trade but war. Sparta was an isolated area that did not welcome many visitors. The Spartans were the best at war and this was shown in their actions and
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