Final answer:
The main subject of "Urania" by Herodotus is the exploration of histories and practices of various cultures, especially the Greek and Persian civilizations, and the tensions between them, all while examining the concept of cultural relativism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Subject Matter of "Urania" by Herodotus
The main subject matter of "Urania," which is one of the books from Herodotus's Histories, deals with the histories and customs of various cultures, with a particular focus on the encounters and conflicts between Greek and Persian civilizations.
Herodotus is often referred to as the founding figure of Greek history-writing and is known for his method of collecting information from travels and sources to construct his historical narratives.
In Herodotus's Histories, he explores the deep origins of the tension between the Persian and Greek worlds, aiming to explain human actions in light of the political and social pressures of the time.
Herodotus also uniquely encompasses the cultural relativism that questions whether one set of beliefs and practices can be considered 'better' than another, challenging the age-old Greek notion of referring to the Persians as 'barbarians.'