Problems in Greek History
1892
Published in 1892, 'Problems in Greek History' by J. P. Mahaffy examines the complexities and dilemmas of Greek historiography. The book critiques early historians and their methodologies, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives in light of new evidence. Mahaffy explores cultural and social dynamics of ancient Greece, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the ongoing evolution of historical interpretation. This work is significant for its analytical approach to Greek history and its impact on historiographical studies.
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The author and narrator, a Fellow and Tutor of Trinity College, Dublin, who provides critical analysis of Greek historiography and challenges accepted chronologies. He advocates for a more skeptical approach to early Greek history.
Radical historian whose twelve-volume history of Greece championed democracy and challenged aristocratic interpretations. A banker and politician who brought passionate advocacy to Greek historical studies.
Bishop and historian known for his careful, scholarly approach to Greek history. Praised for accuracy and fairness but criticized for lack of passion and enthusiasm in his writing.
Early historian of Greece whose Tory perspective and anti-democratic bias provoked the great refutations by Thirlwall and Grote. His work was influenced by horror at the French Revolution.
About Problems in Greek History
Chapter Summaries
- I
- Mahaffy surveys the major English historians of Greece from Gillies and Mitford through Thirlwall and Grote, analyzing their political biases and methodological approaches. He argues that each reflects the political concerns of their era.
- II
- Examines how modern historians have approached Greek legends, criticizing both extreme skepticism and naive acceptance. Mahaffy argues for a middle position that recognizes historical kernels in mythical accounts.
- III
- Mahaffy's most original contribution, arguing that early Greek chronology is largely fabricated by later antiquarians. He particularly attacks the authenticity of the Olympic register and early colonial dates.
Key Themes
- Historical Skepticism vs. Credulity
- Mahaffy argues that even the most skeptical historians have credulous blind spots, particularly regarding early chronology. He advocates for consistent application of critical methods rather than selective skepticism.
- The Dangers of Democratic Government
- Following Greek political theorists, Mahaffy argues that democracies contain inherent weaknesses that lead to their eventual destruction from within, making them unsuitable for large-scale governance.
- Literary Genius vs. Historical Truth
- Great literary historians like Thucydides can distort historical perspective through their very excellence, making relatively minor events seem world-historically significant through the power of their prose.
Characters
- J. P. Mahaffy(protagonist)
- The author and narrator, a Fellow and Tutor of Trinity College, Dublin, who provides critical analysis of Greek historiography and challenges accepted chronologies. He advocates for a more skeptical approach to early Greek history.
- George Grote(major)
- Radical historian whose twelve-volume history of Greece championed democracy and challenged aristocratic interpretations. A banker and politician who brought passionate advocacy to Greek historical studies.
- Connop Thirlwall(major)
- Bishop and historian known for his careful, scholarly approach to Greek history. Praised for accuracy and fairness but criticized for lack of passion and enthusiasm in his writing.
- William Mitford(major)
- Early historian of Greece whose Tory perspective and anti-democratic bias provoked the great refutations by Thirlwall and Grote. His work was influenced by horror at the French Revolution.
- Thucydides(major)
- Ancient Greek historian whose literary genius and grammatical complexity have made him beloved of scholars, but whose narrow focus and deliberate omissions Mahaffy criticizes.
- Herodotus(major)
- Ancient Greek historian praised by Mahaffy as superior to Thucydides in scope and general interest, despite being underrated by modern critics focused on grammatical precision.
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Mahaffy, J. P.. Problems in Greek History. Lex, lex-books.com/book/problems-in-greek-history-8ab13978-1c41-46c0-ac3b-b23569df2d01.Mahaffy, J. P. (1892). Problems in Greek History. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/problems-in-greek-history-8ab13978-1c41-46c0-ac3b-b23569df2d01Mahaffy, J. P.. Problems in Greek History. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/problems-in-greek-history-8ab13978-1c41-46c0-ac3b-b23569df2d01.
