Knowledge of the material

Essential Narratives

Understanding that the Herodotus’ Tales are considered as part of early Western history, including knowledge of its significant influence on Greek culture and consequently on Western civilisation.
Familiarity with the structure and major themes of Herodotus’ works, including exploration, inquiry, storytelling, human nature and morality.
Identification of critical events, like the Greco-Persian wars and their impacts on both the Greek city-states and Persia.

Awareness of important characters from the Tales like King Croesus, Cyrus the Great, Cambyses, and Darius.
Familiarity with key locations where events unfolded, such as Lydian Sardis, the Egyptian city of Memphis and the Ionian city of Samos.
Acknowledgment of the diverse cultures presented in these tales, ranging from the Lydians to the Spartans and from Egyptians to Scythians.

Grasping Herodotus’ visionary method of historical inquiry by combining narratives from diverse sources to form a coherent history.
Interpretation of the use of irony, foreshadowing and anecdotal storytelling techniques utilised by Herodotus and their contribution in making these tales engaging and memorable.
Understanding the importance of Herodotus’ portrayal of human actions and fates, including the punishing nature of hubris, and the rewards for the honourable.

Awareness of the environment and era in which Herodotus wrote his works: a time when Greece was expanding and interacting with Eastern cultures, leading to cross-cultural exchanges.
Appreciation for the political tensions between the Greek city-states and Persia, informing many of Herodotus’ narratives and themes.
Familiarity with the religious and cultural beliefs that were prevalent during that period, shaping influences on the Tales, such as Greek polytheism, Persian Zoroastrianism, and various ancient customs and superstitions.