[Herodotus2010] Herodotus Books 4 & 5 Conference Call coming up

[Andre Stipanovic]

Hi all,
Just a reminder that our next call discussing Herodotus' Books 4 & 5 will
take place on Monday, January 10, 2011. 

telephone: 201 793 9022 (local) or 1 888 350 0075 (toll free)
conference code: 1100494#
		free Skype number:  9900827041100494

As always, feel free to email the group or blog a comment on our website
if you like at:
http://readingodyssey.posterous.com/
looking forward to our next call,
Andre

Herodotus Discussion Questions – Books IV & V

1.  Greek coastal colonies on the Black Sea and northern Aegean may have
had substantial contact with the Scythians during and prior to
Herodotus’ time.  His account (4.1-82) shows similarities and
differences between Greeks and Scythians.  What similarites struck you as
particularly significant?  What differences?

2.  As invaders, the Persians are considered a formidable foe.  In Book
IV, how does Darius carry out the declaration of war against the
Scythians?  What is Darius really after?  How do the Scythians and their
neighbors prepare for the Persian invasion?  What might Herodotus be
foreshadowing with respect to the eventual Persian invasion of Greece?

3.  What is the reason for Persia to invade Scythia?  Libya?  What does
Persia stand to gain by invading Lybia?  To what extent are Greeks on both
sides involved in this invasion?

4.  Given that Ionians were willingly helping Darius in his invasion of
Scythia in Book IV, what are the conditions that lead to their revolt in
Book V?  What contrast between Greece and Persia might Herodotus be trying
to point out in 4.144 when Megabazos subjugates the Hellespont?  At what
point in either Book IV or Book V would you say the spark of animosity is
lit between Greece and Persia?

5.  What does Herodotus reveal about the state of Greek city-state
politics in Book V, especially between Sparta and Athens?  What role does
democracy play in relations between Greek city-states?  What dilemma does
Sparta find itself in regarding democracy?  What do other Greek
city-states think about the rise of democracy in Athens?

6.  In earlier books, Herodotus included different female types.  Do you
see a pattern so far in the book in how Herodotus represents women in his
narrative?

7.  What are your favorite stories, anecdotes or digressions from Books IV
& V?

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