Histories · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter consists of endnotes providing textual clarifications, variant readings, and explanatory comments on the main text of Herodotus' Histories.
What happens
This chapter consists of endnotes providing textual clarifications, variant readings, and explanatory comments on the main text of Herodotus' Histories. It includes discussions of geographical references, military terminology, numerical calculations, and textual emendations.
Themes in this chapter
Conflict and Warfare
Endnotes discuss military tactics, troop numbers, and battles such as Thermopylae and Plataea.
Fate and Inevitability
Notes on oracles and divine signs (e.g., the eclipse interrupting battle) reflect themes of fate.
Power and Tyranny
References to Persian kings (Xerxes, Darius) and their campaigns illustrate the exercise of power.
Characters to notice
- Peisistratos
Mentioned in a note regarding an Acarnanian resident at Athens.
- Themistocles
Referenced in a note about a battle and the interpretation of an oracle.
- Leonidas
Mentioned in a note about his ancestry and the battle of Thermopylae.
- Mardonios
Referenced in a note about unfavorable sacrifices and his retreat.
- Xerxes
Mentioned in a note about his invasion plans and the size of his army.
- Artabazos
Referenced in a note about pursuit into Thessaly.
- Pausanias
Mentioned in a note about the battle of Plataea.
- Herodotus
The author, referenced in notes about textual readings and interpretations.
Key passages
“ἐπιτάρροθος . Elsewhere (that is in Homer) the word always means 'helper,' and Stein translates it so here, 'thou shalt be protector and patron of Tegea' (in the place of Orestes).”
The word 'epitarrothos' in Homer means 'helper,' and Stein interprets it as 'you will be protector and patron of Tegea' instead of Orestes.
Clarifies the meaning of a Homeric term in context.
“ἀγαθοεργῶν .”
A term referring to a group of Spartans who performed good deeds.
Explains a Spartan institutional term.
“εὐζώνῳ ἀνδρί : cp. ch. 104 and II . 34 . The word εὔζωνοσ is used of light-armed troops; Hesychius says, εὔζωνος, μὴ ἔχων φορτίον .”
The term 'euzonos' describes a light-armed soldier without a heavy load.
Defines a military term for light infantry.
“πρόκροσσαι ὁρμέοντο ἐς πόντον : the meaning of πρόκροσσαι is doubtful, but the introduction of the word is probably due to a reminiscence of Homer, Iliad xiv . 35, where the ships are described as drawn up in rows one behind the other on shore.”
The word 'prokrossai' likely describes ships arranged in rows, possibly in a quincunx pattern, reminiscent of Homer's description.
Explains a nautical term for ship arrangement.
“ἀλύκταζον , a word of doubtful meaning which is not found elsewhere.”
The word 'alyktazon' is of uncertain meaning and appears only here.
Notes a hapax legomenon in the text.
