[Herodotus2010] Final Herodotus Call RSVP

[Andre Stipanovic]

Hi fellow readers,
Just a reminder that our final conference call for Herodotus Books 8 & 9
is on Mon Apr 4 @8pm EST:
phone #:  1 888 350 0075
conference code:  1100494#

I look forward to discussing these concluding chapters with you. 
Discussion questions are reprinted below on the Reading Odyssey website.
Please RSVP whether you can make the call or not so we know who will be
'present' for the discussion.
Thanks and happy reading,
Andre

1.  In Book 8.40-65, Herodotus narrates the momentous conference of Greek
leaders as they debate whether to fight the Persians at sea near Salamis,
or to defend the Peloponnese by at the Isthmus of Corinth, a natural
defense.  Has Herodotus embellished the decision to fight at Salamis in
view of the victory?  Was it the best decision even if the Greeks had
lost?  Was it really the only option for the Greeks at this point?

2.  Given Xerxes’ stubbornness and dedication to invading Greece, what
are some of the factors that lead to his personal withdrawal from the war
after the battle of Salamis (book 8)?  What other options should he have
considered?

3.  In one of the most astounding reversals in military history, the
Battle of Plataea (book 9) resulted in a resounding Greek victory.  What
is the interplay between Athens and Sparta in the events leading up to
this battle?  How had the battle affected relations afterwards between
Athens and Sparta?  What can Herodotus tell us about the Greek city-states
in general at this time before his Histories abruptly end?

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