Shaping the Geography of Empire

Man and Nature in Herodotus' Histories

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Greece, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Shaping the Geography of Empire by Katherine Clarke, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Katherine Clarke ISBN: 9780192552389
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: May 31, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Katherine Clarke
ISBN: 9780192552389
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: May 31, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

This volume explores the spatial framework of Herodotus' Histories, the Greek historian's account of Persian imperialism in the sixth and fifth century BC and its culmination in a series of grand expeditions against Greece itself. Focusing on his presentation of the natural world through careful geographical descriptions, ranging from continents and river and mountain networks on a vast scale down to the local settings for individual episodes, it also examines how these landscapes are charged with greater depth and resonance through Herodotus' use of mythological associations and spatial parallels. Man's interaction with, and alteration of, the physical world of the Histories adds another critical dimension to the meaning given to space in Herodotus' work, as his subjects' own agency serves to transform their geography from a neutral backdrop into a resonant landscape with its own role to play in the narrative, in turn reinforcing the placing of the protagonists along a spectrum of positive or negative characterizations. The Persian imperial bid may thus be seen as a war on nature, no less than on their intended subjects: however, as Herodotus reflects, Greece itself is waiting in the wings with the potential to be no less abusive an imperial power. Although the multi-vocal nature of the narrative complicates whether we can identify a 'Herodotean' world at all, still less one in which moral judgements are consistently cast, the fluid and complex web of spatial relationships revealed in discussion nevertheless allows focalization to be brought productively into play, demonstrating how the world of the Histories may be viewed from multiple perspectives. What emerges from the multiple worlds and world-views that Herodotus creates in his narrative is the mutability of fortune that allows successive imperial powers to dominate: as the exercise of political power is manifested both metaphorically and literally through control over the natural world, the map of imperial geography is constantly in flux.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This volume explores the spatial framework of Herodotus' Histories, the Greek historian's account of Persian imperialism in the sixth and fifth century BC and its culmination in a series of grand expeditions against Greece itself. Focusing on his presentation of the natural world through careful geographical descriptions, ranging from continents and river and mountain networks on a vast scale down to the local settings for individual episodes, it also examines how these landscapes are charged with greater depth and resonance through Herodotus' use of mythological associations and spatial parallels. Man's interaction with, and alteration of, the physical world of the Histories adds another critical dimension to the meaning given to space in Herodotus' work, as his subjects' own agency serves to transform their geography from a neutral backdrop into a resonant landscape with its own role to play in the narrative, in turn reinforcing the placing of the protagonists along a spectrum of positive or negative characterizations. The Persian imperial bid may thus be seen as a war on nature, no less than on their intended subjects: however, as Herodotus reflects, Greece itself is waiting in the wings with the potential to be no less abusive an imperial power. Although the multi-vocal nature of the narrative complicates whether we can identify a 'Herodotean' world at all, still less one in which moral judgements are consistently cast, the fluid and complex web of spatial relationships revealed in discussion nevertheless allows focalization to be brought productively into play, demonstrating how the world of the Histories may be viewed from multiple perspectives. What emerges from the multiple worlds and world-views that Herodotus creates in his narrative is the mutability of fortune that allows successive imperial powers to dominate: as the exercise of political power is manifested both metaphorically and literally through control over the natural world, the map of imperial geography is constantly in flux.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Rome Tales by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book Multiple Sclerosis by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book Market Abuse Regulation by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book Working with Goals in Psychotherapy and Counselling by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book Indian Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book From Literacy to Literature: England, 1300-1400 by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book Coherence in EU Competition Law by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book The Trial of the Kaiser by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book The Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book The Alternatives to War by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book Cognitive Assessment for Clinicians by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book The Pursuit of an Authentic Philosophy by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book The Prisoner Society by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book The Humans Who Went Extinct:Why Neanderthals died out and we survived by Katherine Clarke
Cover of the book Aristocracy and its Enemies in the Age of Revolution by Katherine Clarke
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy