Thucydides was probably born at the start of the
His family had property in Thrace, in the gold-mining area. It was here that he took refuge when banished by the Athenians for failing, as admiral in the region, to effectively assist the town of Amphipolis when it was attacked by The years in which Thucydides lived were ones of intense phenomena in all domains. The figure of Pericles dominated politics: under his leadership the democratic constitution was broadened in favour of the lower classes. In intellectual life the Sophist movement came to the fore, influencing the whole of intellectual activity. Elements of Sophist teaching govern Thucydides' work, his History. |
He differs from Herodotus, in principle, on three basic points. First, he dealt exclusively with the history of his own particular homeland. Second, under the influence of the rhetorical and Sophistic methods, he wrote contemporary history. Third, while writing, he was actively engaged in the politics of his time. The main difference between the two is Thucydides' methodology for examining events. He rules out all metaphysical explanations, uses dialectic, sorts out cause from point of origin, draws conclusions from his reasoning, and expresses a viewpoint. The technique of quoting harangues not only enlivens his work, but gives the historian the chance to display the thoughts and psychology of people actively engaged in politics.
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