The underlined text in the passage, "Thucydides understood that the war had important historical significance," highlights Thucydides' focus on the analysis of a specific event and its historical significance, which contrasts with Herodotus' broader and more mythical approach to history.
The key differences between Herodotus and Thucydides' approaches to history.
Herodotus:
Believed in the accuracy of myths and legends.
Focused on the role of the gods in historical events.
Gathered information from interviews and travel, but did not always critically evaluate his sources.
Thucydides:
Emphasized the importance of factual accuracy and critical analysis of sources.
Sought to understand the underlying causes of events, such as human nature, political systems, and economic factors.
Limited his focus to the Peloponnesian War, a contemporary event he had personal experience with.
Therefore, the underlined text in the passage, "Thucydides understood that the war had important historical significance," highlights Thucydides' focus on the analysis of a specific event and its historical significance, which contrasts with Herodotus' broader and more mythical approach to history.
Which historian's view more closely reflected the culture of the time?
It is difficult to say definitively which historian's view more closely reflected the culture of the time, as both Herodotus and Thucydides were innovative thinkers who challenged traditional views of history. However, it is worth noting that:
Herodotus' work was more popular and widely read in ancient Greece, suggesting that his approach resonated with the public.
Thucydides' more analytical approach laid the foundation for modern historical scholarship, but it was not as widely accepted in his own time.
Therefore, it is possible that Herodotus' view, which incorporated traditional myths and legends, was more closely aligned with the popular culture of the time, while Thucydides' more critical and analytical approach represented a more innovative and forward-looking perspective.