Histories

Histories by Herodotus, written in the 5th century BCE, is considered the first major work of history in Western literature. Chronicling the Greco-Persian Wars and including digressions on the customs and geography of various cultures, Herodotus blends historical fact, folklore, and ethnography. While not always accurate by modern standards, his narrative provides invaluable insight into the ancient world and the birth of historiography. Histories is both a vivid storytelling achievement and a foundational text of historical inquiry.