Greeks: The Histories
Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon
Greeks: The Histories introduces students to three of history’s most influential early historians. Students will learn about Herodotus, the “Father of History”, as they read his masterpiece, The Histories, and its inquiries into the origins of the Greco-Persian Wars. They will read and learn about Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War and its forays into the earliest expressions of political philosophy. And last they will read Xenophon’s Anabasis, the famous account which reads like a novel as it chronicles the march of ten thousand Greeks soldiers on their treacherous journey home through enemy territory.
Twelve lectures, six hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1Overview of Greek HistoryFree29 min
- 2Herodotus I: Introduction and Croesus26 min
- 3Herodotus II: Stories of Egypt and the Other Nations30 min
- 4Herodotus III: The Beginning of the Persian Wars and the Battle of Marathon19 min
- 5Herodotus IV: The Battle of Thermopylae27 min
- 6Herodotus V: The Battle of Salamis, and the End of the Persian Wars25 min
- 7Thucydides I: Introduction, Thucydides' Philo. of History, and the Beginning of the Peloponnesian War33 min
- 8Thucydides II: The Early Years, Pericles, and the Great Plague26 min
- 9Thucydides III: Mytilene, Exile, Revolution And Melos44 min
- 10Thucydides IV: The Sicilian Campaign, and the Downfall of Athens29 min
- 11Xenophon: The March of the Ten Thousand29 min
- 12The Lessons of Greek History23 min
Lecture 1 · Overview of Greek History · 29 min · freePlays here on the page. Every lecture streams and downloads in the Roman Roads app once you own the course.
What your student reads
- HerodotusThe Histories
- ThucydidesHistory of the Peloponnesian War
- XenophonAnabasis
Every assigned text is in the Histories Reader (Vol. 3), as a printed book or the eBook that comes with the course. Students are welcome to use other editions of the great books they already own with this course. The video lectures reference Latin or Greek line numbers, which allows a broader use of editions for those who prefer to bring their own.
The Histories
632 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this ReaderThe Histories Companion
One printed, full-color volume for this unit: the Honors and Essentials schedules day by day, Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric and Discussion questions for every lesson, commonplace starters, and Digressios on the art, music, maps and stories behind the books. It adds no busywork; it is a companion to the books, not a textbook.
Use it beside the Workbook or in its place. $39. Forthcoming: pre-order now and it ships as soon as it is printed.
Questions
Is The Histories right for a younger student?
Old Western Culture is intended for mature and discerning students; we recommend it for ages 14 and up. The course deals with mature themes such as paganism, sexual immorality, battle scenes (mostly in the reading) and classical paintings, and is meant to equip your child with a Biblical lens for them. We assume a working knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian doctrine.
How much credit is it?
One unit is half a high-school credit in literature or history; a full year of four units is two credits.
How long does a unit take?
Nine weeks: one lecture a week, with the reading and the questions between. The Honors schedule reads everything; the Essentials schedule reads a shorter selection and still watches every lecture.
Do we need the printed Reader?
No. The Reader eBook is in the app with the course, and the editions already on your shelf work too. We do recommend reading in print, whether that is our Reader, a Roman Roads Classic where one exists, or your own copy; the Reader’s advantage is every assigned text in one volume.
Workbook or Companion?
Both work with the lectures. The Workbook (PDF included with the main curriculum; printed edition available as add-on) holds the questions for every lecture and reading with an answer key. The Companion is the fuller book: schedules, more questions at four levels, and the Digressios. Use it beside the workbook or in its place.
Can a co-op or school use it?
Yes. Students watch at home and discuss in class, or a teacher lectures live from the Companion. Ask us about group licensing.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and it is yours for life.
Greeks: The Histories
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and the Companion above.