History of History

Bishop of Tours remarks on the continuous occurrence of events in history (both good and bad).
Historiography reflects two time periods:
- The past (which is written about).
- The present (the context of writing).
Shift in understanding how history is recorded across ages.
Historiography can be seen as a historical narrative of its own evolution.

Panel consisting of:
1. Mirri Rubin - Professor at Queen Mary, University of London.
2. John Burrow - Emeritus fellow of Balliol College, Oxford.
3. Paul Cartlidge - AG Leventis Professor of Greek culture at Cambridge University.

Paul Cartlidge explains historiography:
- Definition based on two ancient Greek compounds: the art of writing history.
- Historiography studies the creation and writing of history.
- Highlights that historians construct narratives of history based on inquiries into various traditions.
The connection between history (“histoire” in French) and narrative, distinguishing culture's take on historical storytelling.

Details about Herodotus:
- Born circa April in Halicarnassus (modern Bodrum, Turkey).
- His environment was a blend of Greek and non-Greek influences.
- Engaged with Eastern traditions (from Babylon to India).
The inquiry into the cosmos vs. human affairs was a prevalent theme leading up to Herodotus.
- Possibly influenced by Thales’ inquiry into the elements of the universe.
Herodotus’ significance:
- Wrote a singular pivotal work focused on the Persian Wars.
- His background in the Persian Empire influenced his view of the Greco-Persian conflicts.
- Desired to explain the failures of the Persians in conquering Greece after success in other conquests.
- Established a framework that emphasized responsibility and moral judgments in historical events.

Emphasizes explanation and a sense of fairness in recounting events, using various sources including interviews.
Noteworthy that his contemporaries like Thucydides approached history differently, leading to a rivalry in historiographical approaches.
Thucydides’ methodology and emphasis differed, focusing on his own unique interpretations without direct mentions of predecessors.
The contrasts between inquiries into East vs. West and the qualities attributed to cultures (e.g., Greeks seen as free vs. Persians as enslaved).

John Burrow explains Polybius:
- Recognized as a Greek historian writing for Roman audience.
- Aimed to interpret the rise of Rome for the understanding of Greeks.
- Focused on a singular power structure (the Roman Empire) rather than diverse city-states as Herodotus did.
- Introduces the idea of universal history in depicting Rome’s expansion.
Shift from Herodotus to Polybius exemplifies the evolution of historiography:
- Livy adopts and extends historical narratives back to the foundation of Rome, linking legendary tales with historical facts.
- Livy and Polybius’ works room for a broader exploration of historical chronological context.

Mary Rubin addresses the evolution of historical writing with the rise of Christianity:
- Historical significance begins with the gospels, which recount events about Jesus within a narrative framework.
- Under Constantine’s reign, a favorable climate for Christian historiography emerged.
Eusebius emerges as a key historian:
- His methodological focus on biblical exegesis and the interpretation of Christian doctrine becomes prominent.
- Blends secular imperial history with Christian narrative.

Discussion on Augustine's approach to history:
- Acknowledges the divine through historical events while focusing on theological perspectives.
- Establishes a polemic history that confronts pagan criticism of Christianity during a tumultuous fourth century.
Aural historians like Eusebius articulate the continuity of classical tradition while reshaping it through Christian lenses.
New methods of compiling documents arise, linking historical narratives back to essential religious tenets.

Exploration of hagiography as an emerging genre of historical writing focused on saints and martyrs:
- This mode seeks to intertwine local narratives with universal providential contexts highlighting divine inspirited events.
- Emphasis on the subjective nature of historical events surrounding holiness and divine intervention.

The sixteenth century marks a crucial juncture in historiography with:
- Humanism prompting a reevaluation of ancient heritage leading to a focus on rhetoric.
- The Protestant Reformation introduces competing narratives creating fragmentation in historical interpretation.
- Catharsis through the scrutiny of historical authenticity as Protestant thought emerges.

Introduction of feminist perspectives in historical writing:
- Christine de Pizan as a prominent figure advocating for recognition of women's contributions to history.
- A counterhistory that highlights women's significance in established narratives.
The emergence of multifaceted histories addressing marginalized voices.

Reflection on conceptual shifts from Herodotus down to Christian historians affecting historical narrative structures up to modern historiography.
Notable contrasts between earlier polytheistic views on history and the emerging monotheistic contexts of Christianity.
The development of various historiographical styles reflecting societal changes continuing to the contemporary world.