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This short course offers a guided reading of Book VII of Herodotus’ Histories-the dramatic account of Xerxes’ invasion of Greece. We shall explore the character of Herodotus himself: his curiosity, moral outlook, and narrative art, as they appear in his portrayal of both Greeks and Persians. The aim is to read Herodotus not merely as a chronicler, but as an historian, ethnographer, and storyteller of genius.
What will we cover?
The background to Xerxes’ invasion and the legacy of Marathon.
Herodotus’ presentation of Xerxes, Leonidas, and the Persian court.
Herodotus as moral commentator, traveller, and collector of tales.
The interplay of fact, hearsay, and interpretation in the Histories.
The historian’s method: how Herodotus questions, judges, and entertains.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify key themes and episodes in Book VII of the Histories.
Discuss how Herodotus shapes character, motive, and moral lesson.
Recognise Herodotus’ approach to evidence, ethnography, and narrative.
Appreciate why he remains a foundational figure in Western historiography.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge of Greek or of Herodotus is required. All passages will be read in translation, with optional reference to the Greek text for those who wish. Anyone with an interest in ancient history, literature, or historical method is welcome.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each session will be tutor-led, combining lecture, reading, and discussion. Participants will be encouraged to read assigned sections between classes, but there is no compulsory homework. Questions and contributions are invited throughout.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Participants may wish to have a copy of Herodotus: The Histories, translated by Robin Waterfield (Oxford World’s Classics) or any other good translation, and writing material for notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to join further courses in Greek history, literature, or ancient language offered by City Lit.
Sean has been teaching Greek, Latin, and History for over thirty-five years. He has taught in England, America, Europe, and Asia, working with students of all ages and backgrounds. Despite all this, he remains as captivated by the Ancient World as when, aged seven, he first stumbled across a retelling of the Iliad and Odyssey. Alongside his teaching, he has published over forty books, including translations, textbooks, and historical fiction. He is, by general agreement, a rather good second-rate novelist — which is not a bad thing to be.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
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We shall explore the <em>character</em> of Herodotus himself: his curiosity, moral outlook, and narrative art, as they appear in his portrayal of both Greeks and Persians. The aim is to read Herodotus not merely as a chronicler, but as an historian, ethnographer, and storyteller of genius.</p><p>The Father of History and the Persian Invasion of Greece - not for the incurious.</p><ul><li>The background to Xerxes’ invasion and the legacy of Marathon.</li><li>Herodotus’ presentation of Xerxes, Leonidas, and the Persian court.</li><li>Herodotus as moral commentator, traveller, and collector of tales.</li><li>The interplay of fact, hearsay, and interpretation in the Histories.</li><li>The historian’s method: how Herodotus questions, judges, and entertains.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key themes and episodes in Book VII of the Histories.</li><li>Discuss how Herodotus shapes character, motive, and moral lesson.</li><li>Recognise Herodotus’ approach to evidence, ethnography, and narrative.</li><li>Appreciate why he remains a foundational figure in Western historiography.</li></ul><p>No prior knowledge of Greek or of Herodotus is required. All passages will be read in translation, with optional reference to the Greek text for those who wish. Anyone with an interest in ancient history, literature, or historical method is welcome.</p><p>Each session will be tutor-led, combining lecture, reading, and discussion. Participants will be encouraged to read assigned sections between classes, but there is no compulsory homework. Questions and contributions are invited throughout.</p><p>No other costs. Participants may wish to have a copy of <em>Herodotus: The Histories</em>, translated by Robin Waterfield (Oxford World’s Classics) or any other good translation, and writing material for notes.</p><p>You may wish to join further courses in Greek history, literature, or ancient language offered by City Lit.</p>Classical languagesClassical and New Testament Greekvirtual8710971RG442NONEMon20/07/26 - 10/08/2614:00 - 16:0014:0016:004 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayOnlineOnlineSean GabbAdvancedAvailable courses2026-07-20T00:00:00+00:00Jul 2026Languages109109Reading Herodotusreading-herodotus/rg442-2526<p>The Father of History and the Persian Invasion of Greece - not for the incurious.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-20 00:00:00<p>This short course offers a guided reading of <strong>Book VII of Herodotus’ <em>Histories</em></strong>-the dramatic account of Xerxes’ invasion of Greece. We shall explore the <em>character</em> of Herodotus himself: his curiosity, moral outlook, and narrative art, as they appear in his portrayal of both Greeks and Persians. The aim is to read Herodotus not merely as a chronicler, but as an historian, ethnographer, and storyteller of genius.</p><p>The Father of History and the Persian Invasion of Greece - not for the incurious.</p><ul><li>The background to Xerxes’ invasion and the legacy of Marathon.</li><li>Herodotus’ presentation of Xerxes, Leonidas, and the Persian court.</li><li>Herodotus as moral commentator, traveller, and collector of tales.</li><li>The interplay of fact, hearsay, and interpretation in the Histories.</li><li>The historian’s method: how Herodotus questions, judges, and entertains.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key themes and episodes in Book VII of the Histories.</li><li>Discuss how Herodotus shapes character, motive, and moral lesson.</li><li>Recognise Herodotus’ approach to evidence, ethnography, and narrative.</li><li>Appreciate why he remains a foundational figure in Western historiography.</li></ul><p>No prior knowledge of Greek or of Herodotus is required. All passages will be read in translation, with optional reference to the Greek text for those who wish. Anyone with an interest in ancient history, literature, or historical method is welcome.</p><p>Each session will be tutor-led, combining lecture, reading, and discussion. Participants will be encouraged to read assigned sections between classes, but there is no compulsory homework. Questions and contributions are invited throughout.</p><p>No other costs. Participants may wish to have a copy of <em>Herodotus: The Histories</em>, translated by Robin Waterfield (Oxford World’s Classics) or any other good translation, and writing material for notes.</p><p>You may wish to join further courses in Greek history, literature, or ancient language offered by City Lit.</p>Classical languagesClassical and New Testament Greekconfigurable
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