What are the comparisons between herodotus and thucydides

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/herodotus/p/Herodotus.htm

http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/thucydides

To compare Herodotus and Thucydides, we can look at their backgrounds, writing styles, and historical approaches:

1. Background:
- Herodotus: Born in Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum, Turkey) around 484 BCE. Considered the "Father of History," he traveled extensively and interviewed eyewitnesses to gather information for his work.
- Thucydides: Born in Athens around 460 BCE. Served as a general during the Peloponnesian War, which influenced his historical writings.

2. Writing styles:
- Herodotus: Known for his storytelling style, Herodotus weaved myths, legends, and historical accounts together. His work, "The Histories," covers the Persian Wars and includes diverse topics on various cultures and geography.
- Thucydides: Thucydides focused on providing an accurate and analytical account of events. His work, "History of the Peloponnesian War," concentrates on the war between Athens and Sparta, relying on direct observations and interviews.

3. Historical approach:
- Herodotus: Herodotus sought to understand the underlying causes and motivations behind historical events. He explored cultural differences, included diverse perspectives, and often included supernatural or divine explanations.
- Thucydides: Thucydides aimed for a more rational and objective approach. He focused on political, military, and strategic factors that influenced events, emphasizing human actions rather than divine intervention.

In summary, Herodotus and Thucydides differ in their backgrounds, writing styles, and historical approaches. Herodotus focused on storytelling and cultural diversity, whereas Thucydides aimed for a more analytical and factual account of events. Both are considered foundational figures in the study of history and have influenced subsequent historians.