Description
By Alfred J. Church. Journey into the ancient world of kings, empires, wonders, and adventure through the timeless stories of Herodotus, the “Father of History.”
In Stories of the East from Herodotus, distinguished classical scholar Alfred J. Church retells some of the most fascinating episodes from Herodotus’s famous histories in a vivid and accessible style designed for younger readers and general audiences alike. Drawn from the rich civilizations of Persia, Egypt, Babylon, Lydia, and the wider ancient East, these stories capture the drama, mystery, and grandeur of the ancient world as it appeared to the Greeks more than two thousand years ago.
Within these pages are tales of mighty rulers such as Croesus, Cyrus the Great, and Darius I; accounts of strange customs and distant lands; and stories of courage, ambition, betrayal, and fate that have fascinated readers for centuries. Church skillfully preserves the spirit of Herodotus’s storytelling while presenting the narratives in clear and engaging language that remains enjoyable today.
More than a simple collection of legends, the book offers a captivating introduction to the cultures, beliefs, and historical traditions of the ancient Near East and Mediterranean world. It opens a window into how the ancients understood history, empire, and human nature itself.
This carefully restored reprint revives a beloved classic of historical storytelling for modern readers. Ideal for students, lovers of mythology and ancient history, and anyone seeking adventure from the distant past, Stories of the East from Herodotus remains an enduring celebration of the world’s earliest historical traditions.
About the author: Alfred John Church (1829–1912) was an English classical scholar and teacher, who worked as professor of Latin at University College, London. His notable works include the translation of Tacitus, Pliny, and much of his own original Latin and English verse.
Contents
Chapter I: The story of King Crœsus
Chapter II: Crœsus, wishing to make war against the Persians, consulteth the oracles
Chapter III: King Crœsus is defeated and the city of Sardis is taken
Chapter IV: Crœsus is saved from death. Of Lydia, the Lydians, and of certain Greeks that dwelt in Asia
Chapter V: The birth and bringing up of Cyrus
Chapter VI: Cyrus overthroweth Astyages and taketh the kingdom to himself
Chapter VII: The city of Babylon, Cyrus taketh it
Chapter VIII: Cyrus maketh war against the Massagetæ, and dieth
Chapter IX: Of the manners of the Egyptians
Chapter X: Of certain kings of Egypt
Chapter XI: Of certain other kings of Egypt
Chapter XII: The Persians conquer Egypt
Chapter XIII: Cambyses maketh war upon the nations round about, is stricken with madness, and so dieth
Chapter XIV: The false Smerdis is slain
Chapter XV: The kingdom of Darius
Chapter XVI: Babylon rebelleth against the king, and is taken
Chapter XVII: King Darius maketh war upon the Scythians
Chapter XVIII: Of the Scythians and other nations
