History is not merely a collection of facts. We can learn much about a people from their myths, which tell us about a people’s sense of morality and the forces they believed worked in their lives. But history is different, and can be gleaned from scientific examinations (such as those done by archaeologists, anthropologists, forensic researchers, and archaeo-biologists), observations made by social scientists (studies by sociologists, economists, geographers), and interpretation of a culture’s artistic accomplishments by experts in those areas. Comprehensive history is at its best when it draws from all these sources. The artistic part of history lies in the way it is conveyed to others, in the prose, writing, presentation, etc.

As you have read in Duiker, The Greeks created history as we have come to understand the term. Indeed, the word historycomes from the Greek word for inquiry. As was summarized by scholar R.G. Collingwood, “Greek history is not legend [or myth, like the work of Homer], but research.” Greek historical writing is not driven by religion or religious dogma, but on the actions taken by human activity. The period described by Greek historians was known and dated by the Greeks themselves, and did not exist in some “dateless past.” (R.G. Collingwood, The Idea of History, 18, 1946, revised edition 1993). Once one has examined the evidence (in a rational, “scientific” manner), then the art is in the telling or conveying your understanding and interpretation of the significance of the evidence. In that way, history is both scientific and artistic–it straddles the humanities and the social sciences.

Directions:

1. Based upon what you have read about Herodotus and Thucydides–their aims and their methods–think about what we have learned about the Greeks, their accomplishments and what remains of these. Consider too all the various tools used to teach you about Greek history as it was presented to you Duiker and by Andrea.
2.  To begin,  select two examples from the types of evidence below .Your major post should be at least 3-4 paragraphs in length and should describe how one can use scientific and artistic approaches to explain the significance of the items to understand the ancient Greeks and to write a history of the Greeks.Cite all your sources in Turabian format.
3. Cite all your sources in Turabian format.