Thucydides
Full Name and Common Aliases
Thucydides is the name by which this eminent historian is most commonly known. His full name is not recorded in historical texts, but he is often referred to simply as Thucydides of Athens. There are no widely recognized aliases, though he is sometimes called the "Father of Scientific History" due to his rigorous approach to historical documentation.
Birth and Death Dates
Thucydides was born around 460 BCE and is believed to have died around 400 BCE. The exact dates of his birth and death remain uncertain, as is common with many figures from ancient history.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Thucydides was an Athenian, hailing from the city-state of Athens in ancient Greece. He was primarily known as a historian and general. His work as a historian has had a lasting impact on the field, setting a standard for historical accuracy and critical analysis.
Early Life and Background
Thucydides was born into a wealthy and influential family in Athens. His father, Olorus, was a Thracian aristocrat, which provided Thucydides with a privileged upbringing and access to education. This background likely influenced his later work, as he was well-versed in the political and military affairs of his time. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received a comprehensive education, which was typical for someone of his social standing.
Major Accomplishments
Thucydides is best known for his work, "The History of the Peloponnesian War," which chronicles the conflict between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 BCE. His major accomplishment lies in his methodical and empirical approach to history. Unlike his predecessors, Thucydides emphasized the importance of eyewitness accounts and direct evidence, avoiding myth and legend. His work is considered one of the first to apply a rigorous standard of historical inquiry, focusing on cause and effect rather than divine intervention.
Notable Works or Actions
The most notable work of Thucydides is undoubtedly "The History of the Peloponnesian War." This comprehensive account is divided into eight books and provides a detailed narrative of the war's events, strategies, and political dynamics. Thucydides' analysis of the war's causes, including the fear and power struggles between Athens and Sparta, offers insights into human nature and the complexities of political power. His work remains a critical resource for understanding ancient Greek history and the nature of war.
Impact and Legacy
Thucydides' impact on the field of history is profound. He is often credited with laying the groundwork for modern historical methodology. His insistence on factual accuracy and critical analysis has influenced countless historians and scholars. Thucydides' work has been studied for centuries, not only for its historical content but also for its insights into human behavior and political theory. His legacy extends beyond history, impacting fields such as political science, international relations, and military strategy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Thucydides is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive observations on power, politics, and human nature. His famous assertion that "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must" encapsulates the harsh realities of political power dynamics. His work provides timeless lessons on the nature of conflict, leadership, and the consequences of human ambition. Thucydides' ability to distill complex events into universal truths makes his work relevant across ages, ensuring that his insights continue to resonate with readers and thinkers today.
In conclusion, Thucydides' contributions to history and his analytical approach to documenting events have cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the annals of historical scholarship. His work not only provides a window into the ancient world but also offers enduring lessons on the nature of human society.
Quotes by Thucydides
Thucydides's insights on:
The bravest aree surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.
People get into the habit of entrusting the things they desire to wishful thinking, and subjecting things they don't desire to exhaustive thinking.
The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.
Men’s indignation, it seems, is more exited by legal wrong than by violent wrong; the first looks like being cheated by an equal, the second like being compelled by a superior.
Indeed men too often take upon themselves in the prosecution of their revenge to set the example of doing away with those general laws to which all can look for salvation in adversity, instead of allowing them to subsist against the day of danger when their aid may be required.
Our city is open to the world, and we have no periodical deportations in order to prevent people observing or finding out secret which might be of military advantage to the enemy. This is because we rely, not on secret weapons, but on our own real courage and loyalty. -146.
Events of future history will be of the same nature – or nearly so – as the history of the past, so long as men are men.
We regard wealth as something to be properly used, rather than as something to boast about. As for poverty, no one need to be ashamed to admit it: the real shame is in not taking practical measures to escape from it. -p147.