Loading…
Loading…
GCSE History · key term
A Greek historian whose Histories provide a detailed account of Cyrus’ defeat and death, while acknowledging that other versions existed.
Used by OCR
Paper 1
Revise: Pasargadae and the Death of CyrusHerodotus gives a detailed account of his death during an attempt to conquer the Massagetae beyond the river he calls the Araxes. Their ruler was Queen Tomyris.
An ancient Greek historian who wrote the Histories in the fifth century BC, investigating the conflict between Greeks and Persians and the events leading to it.
When explaining Cyrus’ death, follow the causal sequence and attribute the detailed story to Herodotus. His account is not the only ancient tradition.
Separate what Herodotus reports, what he believes and what remains uncertain. His alternative accounts of the Samian exiles are a useful example.
At Marathon, do not treat Herodotus’ defence of the Alcmaeonids as proof that no shield signal was given. He accepts that a signal occurred but says he does not know who gave it.
Create a free account to read GCSE History revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.