Primary Source Quiz


1			Historical Sources http://members.ozemail.com.au/~ancientpersia/srce_frm.html. What are the historical sources from which students of the Persian Empires can draw their knowledge? How are these sources similar to those of the other civilizations we have examined thus far? In what ways are they different? Herodotus on Persia: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herodotus-persians.html. What kind of relationship does the author, the ancient Greek Historian Herodotus, have with the Persians he observes? What makes this document different from any other historical source we have seen thus far? What types of new concerns does it raise?




2			The Gathas http://www.avesta.org/gathas.htm Read through these hymns that constitute the central scriptures of Zoroastrianism. What are the principal themes and concerns exhibited in these documents? How do they compare to the religious texts we have examined from other cultures? Is there anything distinctly more modern about these texts? What might they tell us about Persian culture?




3			Solon and Croesus http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herodotus-creususandsolon.html What gifts did Croesus offer to the Oracle of Delphi? Why do you think he offered those items rather than the coins for which Lydia became so famous? Whom did Solon find to be the happiest man he had ever met? Why did he refrain from choosing Croesus despite the latter's great wealth?