History of Herodotus nine volumes with colored Maps in one PDF book.
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| History of Herodotus |
Explore Herodotus’ Histories, the full nine‑volume masterpiece of ancient Greek storytelling. From Croesus and Cyrus to the Persian Wars, this open‑source edition . The book contains 8 volumes in PDF file and the end of book there is section for colored Maps based on the history of Herodotus.
Herodotus’ Nine Volumes
- 📖 Book 1 – Clio
Herodotus opens with the legendary causes of conflict between East and West. He recounts the fall of Croesus, king of Lydia, whose hubris leads him to attack Persia. The book ends with Cyrus the Great’s rise and the founding of the Persian Empire — a meditation on fate and divine justice.
📖 Book 2 – Euterpe
A long ethnographic digression on Egypt. Herodotus describes its geography, customs, religion, and monuments, mixing observation with myth. He compares Egyptian wisdom to Greek thought, showing deep respect for their antiquity.
📖 Book 3 – Thaleia
Focuses on Cambyses II, son of Cyrus, and his conquest of Egypt. Herodotus portrays Cambyses as cruel and unstable, contrasting Persian imperial ambition with Egyptian tradition. The book ends with the rise of Darius I after the “false Smerdis” episode.
📖 Book 4 – Melpomene
Describes Darius’ campaigns in Scythia and Libya. Herodotus explores nomadic cultures, geography, and myths, including the story of the Amazons. It’s a blend of anthropology and adventure.
📖 Book 5 – Terpsichore
Begins the Ionian Revolt against Persia. Herodotus introduces the political landscape of Greece, especially Athens and Sparta, setting the stage for the Persian Wars.
📖 Book 6 – Erato
Covers the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE). Athens’ victory over Persia becomes a symbol of freedom and courage. Herodotus also explores internal Greek politics and the fate of Miltiades.
📖 Book 7 – Polymnia
Narrates Xerxes’ invasion of Greece, including the famous stand of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. Herodotus combines heroism with tragedy, showing the cost of resistance.
📖 Book 8 – Urania
Focuses on the naval battles, especially Salamis (480 BCE). The Greeks’ cunning and unity triumph over Persian might. Herodotus highlights divine influence and human strategy.
📖 Book 9 – Calliope
Concludes with the Battle of Plataea (479 BCE) and the final defeat of Persia. Herodotus reflects on freedom, tyranny, and the moral lessons of history — ending his epic with philosophical depth.
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| Map from history of Herodotus in end of the book |
Herodotus was a native of Halicarnassus in Caria. If born in 484, he was originally a subject of the Persian King. His early life was spent in Halicarnassus or possibly on Samos, which he knew intimately. Tradition claims he expelled the tyrant Lygdamis from Halicarnassus, but later, disliked by his countrymen, he joined the Athenian colony at Thurium, where he died and was buried in the marketplace. Evidence also suggests he visited Athens around 445 B.C., reciting parts of his work there. His frequent references to Athens confirm he knew the city well.
Beyond these facts, much of his life remains conjectural. He likely held some standing in Halicarnassus, and his extensive travels suggest he was well-to-do. His Histories are rich with evidence of travel, though rarely autobiographical. He must have visited Egypt after 460 B.C., and possibly Scythia earlier. His journeys took him across Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt (as far south as Assuan), Cyrene, Syria, Mesopotamia, and the northern Black Sea coast.
His nine books weave together these wanderings with his narrative. His stated aim was to recount the Graeco-Persian wars, but this required describing the rise of Persia, Lydia, Egypt, and Scythia. The later books, focused on the Persian invasion of Greece, are less digressive, though episodes and digressions remain a hallmark of his style
24 Mb PDF book 📚