Seth Harper Hist 201 Primary Source Paper I have not used AI to edit this paper. Herodotus paints a vivid picture of the ancient world in The Histories. A common and almost inescapable phenomenon of human nature is tribalism, known formally in psychological studies as in-group and out-group bias. This essay contends that Herodotus demonstrates such behavioral bias in his depiction of non-Greek societies, portraying them as inherently inferior to the Greeks and thus to himself. Through selective descriptions and comparisons, Herodotus cherry-picks his way into a narrative framework that subtly but consistently reinforces Greek cultural superiority. This analysis will delve into Herodotus' treatment of various non-Greek peoples, focusing primarily on the Egyptians, Persians, Scythians, Lydians, and Babylonians, and how his skewed portrayals perpetuate a narrative of Greek cultural hegemony. The discussed bias Herodotus writes about quite possibly has shaped our understanding of historical societies and peoples for the worse. Herodotus' portrayal of the Egyptians reveals a blend of admiration and condescension, underscoring his native cultural biases. While acknowledging their architectural feats, such as the pyramids, Herodotus often presents Egyptian religious practices as excessive and irrational. He asserts, "The Egyptians are religious to excess, far beyond any …show more content…
Through selective descriptions and comparisons, Herodotus constructs a narrative framework that depicts non-Greek peoples as inherently inferior to the Greeks. By emphasizing their cultural, moral, and intellectual deficiencies, Herodotus perpetuates stereotypes and biases prevalent in ancient Greek society. Thus, Herodotus' biased portrayals contribute to the narrative of Greek cultural hegemony, shaping perceptions of non-Greek societies in the ancient