Herodotus, succeeding Homer, constructs his historical edifice on archaic Ionian foundations. Within his narrative, he seeks dramatic condensation; like another Aeschylus, he perceives the tragedy in the fates of nations.

He considers the Persian Wars the climax of the Asia-Europe conflict and emphasizes the utmost importance of the Greek victory at a time when the centers of civilization were under siege from Persian expansionism. Through his personal exploration, he seeks the causes of human behavior.

The human being is at the center of his work, which is why his historical composition does not ignore the folklore of nations. And if he succumbs to their mythological traditions, it is because he senses that myth also brings forth history.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]