Herodotus' Histories 2

Study Guide Questions for Book 1, Ch. 26-52

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Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)

Happiness, Mortality vs. Immortality, Fate vs. Fortune, Vengeance, Compassion, Prudence

Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)

1. What did Croesus begin to do shortly after ascending to the Lydian throne?

2. What convinced Croesus not to build ships and attack the Greek islands?

3. According to Herodotus, why did Solon decide to leave Athens for ten years?

4. What questions was Croesus most eager to ask the wise Solon?

5. What did Solon say he know about “the power above” mankind?

6. What did Solon think determined whether or not a man had truly lived a happy life?

7. What dream did Croesus have and what did he do as a result?

8. How did Atys persuade his father (Croesus) to let him go on the boar hunt?

9. How did Atys die?

10. What became of Adrastus in the end?

11. What did Croesus do in order to test the accuracy of the various oracles?

12. What did Croesus do in response to receiving a true oracle from Delphi?

Logic Questions: (Interpreting, Comparing/Contrasting, Reasoning)

1. What might have compelled Croesus to attack the Greek cities in the first place?

2. Do you think Bias’ reasoning with Croesus about not attacking the Greek islands sound? Why or why not?

3. Why might the Athenians have wished to have Solon repeal the laws he had made for them?

4. Why would Croesus show Solon his treasuries?

5. What did Solon mean when he said, “God showed forth most evidently how much better a thing for man death is than life?” Why would he think this way?

6. Why would “God” punish Croesus for thinking of himself as “the happiest of men?”

7. Why do you think Croesus welcomed Adrastus into his home?

8. What is ironic about the way Atys’ death came to pass?

9. Why would Croesus take such extreme measures to test the various oracles?

10. What kind of man would you say Croesus is in light of this present reading? What should we infer about his character?

Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)

1. What is the proper definition of the term “happiness?” Are happiness and pleasure the same thing or is there an important difference between the two? What kinds of things are necessary in order for a person to have happiness? Do you think Solon is right that we should call no man happy until we take note of the way he died? Why or why not?

2. Solon describes the gods as being full of “jealousy” towards men when they are prospering. This seems to be a common notion in the ancient polytheistic religions. Why do you think anyone would choose to serve and worship gods like this? What accounts for the existence of such a system of religion?

3. Do you think it is better to be wealthy or to merely have an amount sufficient for the needs of your family? How should your answer to this first question affect your daily decisions and plans for the future? Explain your reasoning carefully.

Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)

1. Read 1 Kings 10:1-13 and Isaiah 39. What do these passages have in common with each other and with our present reading in Herodotus? What are some notable differences? In general, what are your thoughts about the actions of these kings?

2. How should the biblical story of Job be applied to the discussion between Solon and Croesus’ conversation about prosperity of wealth, sudden disaster, and happiness? What information does Scripture give us about these topics of which Solon and Croesus were ignorant?

3. Read Acts 16:16-24. How should this passage affect our thinking about the concept of oracles (fortune tellers)?