[Herodotus2010] Additional Herodotus Questions for Book I

[Andre Stipanovic]

Dear all,
I hope your reading is coming along and that you are enjoying it
thoroughly.  Our discussion on Book I is scheduled for Monday November 15.
 I will send out the details for this conference call later in the week. 
In the meantime, please feel free to make use of these study guide
questions (below) to help stimulate your thinking as you finish up Book I.
 I look forward to our call.
Andre

4.  In chapters I.95-106, how does the story of the first Median ruler set
the example for Median rulers to follow?  According to Herodotus, what
common theme seems to characterize the line of Median kings up to and
including Astyages?
(Kings of the Medes:  Deiokes, Phraortes, Cyaxares, [Scythian occupation],
Cyaxares regains authority, Astyages)

5.  In chapters I. 107-130, how does Cyrus’ origin and upbringing
compare to the line of Median kings before him?  Why do you suppose Cyrus
seems destined to attain supreme control over the Medes with his Persians?
 What main factors, according to Herodotus, contribute to this outcome?

6.  As Persian armies under Cyrus’ command spread out through Asia
Minor, they come into contact with various peoples, cities, and nations. 
How do negotiations with Ionia result?  Why are the Ionian cities so
vulnerable to Persian attack?  What is so significant about the Sardis
revolt and suppression?  Why is it placed in the middle of the stories and
events connected with Herodotus’ description of Ionia?

7.  According to Herodotus in I. 177-200, what impresses him the most
about Babylon?  Why?

8.  In the final chapters of Book I, Cyrus meets his match in Queen
Tomyris.  In this conflict, Croesus’ advice, a prophetic dream, and
revenge, all coincide in a decisive defeat for the Persians.  How might
the end of Cyrus relate to patterns of Mede and Persian rule evident
throughout Book I?

9.  What is your favorite story of Book I?

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