HERODOTUS, HISTORY, Pt. 5
Books VIII & IX

STUDY QUESTIONS

(Note: Some questions cover a wider number of sections and therefore list no section numbers.)

Book VIII

1. Describe the Persian destruction of the Acropolis.

2. VIII.59 What was Themistocles point in saying "But those who get left behind never get crowned."

3. Why was Sicinnus role in the battle of Salamis so crucial?

4. What explanations does Herodotus give for the defeat of the Persians at Salamis?

5. How was queen Artemisia able to escape when pursued by a Greek ship?

6. After defeat at Salamis, what was Xerxes greatest fear for his army?

7. Why did Eurybiades argue that the bridges over the Hellespont ought not to be destroyed?

    Book IX

1. IX.16 What did the Persian at the dinner party tell Thersander that was so astonishing?

2. IX.22 Compare Herodotus’ description of the death of Masistius to Homer’s descriptions of the death of leading warriors.

3. Recount the Athenian and Spartan maneuvering for position when preparing to fight the Medes in the battle of Plataia.

4. What reasons does Herodotus give for Greek supremacy in the battle of Plataia?

5. What differences in the Greek and the Barbarian character becomes evident in Pausanias’ treatment of the body of Mardonius?

6. What point did Pausaniuas make with the preparation of the Persian and Spartan meals?