HERODOTUS, HISTORY, Pt. 4
Book VII

STUDY QUESTIONS

VII. 8 What was Xerxes’ main motivation for desiring to subjugate the Greeks?

VII. 10 What were Artabanus’ concerns regarding the invasion of Greece?

VII. 17-20 How was Xerxes convinced to proceed with his campaign?

VII. 34-35 What do we see of Xerxes character in the event with the Hellespont?

VII. 46 Explain Artabanus statement- "And therein is the god discovered to be envious for he gives us but a taste of the sweetness of life."

VII. 103 What assumptions does Xerxes make about the effects of democracy on the strength of its armies?

VII. 139 Why does Herodotus hold that the Spartans’ chances of success against a Persian land campaign were very slim.

Give a number of reasons why the Spartans were able to hold out so effectively against the Persians.