365 Day Project: Day 78

Seeing Old Egypt

Herodotus, An Account of Egypt: Being the Second Book of His Histories Called Euterpe?

[Vol. 33, pp. 72-84 of The Harvard Classics]

Today’s reading is the second entry (see Day 26) in Eliot’s reading guide from Herodotus’ book, An Account of Egypt.?

Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian, wrote An Account of Egypt in the 5th century BC. In it, he provides an account of the culture, history, and religion of the Egyptians. He also describes their way of life and customs. Herodotus was one of the first historians to investigate and write about this important civilization.?This is an ancient history book where the author includes both previously reported history coupled with his own firsthand insights and observations about ancient Egypt.?

“Thus far then the history is told by the Egyptians themselves; but I will now recount that which other nations also tell, and the Egyptians in agreement with the others, of that which happened in this land: and there will be added to this also something of that which I have myself seen.”

The following is my favorite passage from the text where Herodotus’ attention to detail and writing style are featured.

“Such is this labyrinth: but a cause for marvel even greater than this is afforded by the lake, which is called the lake of Moiris, along the side of which this labyrinth is built. The measure of its circuit is three thousand six hundred furlongs (being sixty schoines), and this is the same number of furlongs as the extent of Egypt itself along the sea. The lake lies extended lengthwise from North to South, and in depth where it is deepest it is fifty fathoms. That this lake is artificial and formed by digging is self-evident, for about in the middle of the lake stand two pyramids, each rising above the water to a height of fifty fathoms, the part which is built below the water being of just the same height; and upon each is placed a colossal statue of stone sitting upon a chair. Thus the pyramids are a hundred fathoms high; and these hundred fathoms are equal to a furlong of six hundred feet, the fathom being measured as six feet or four cubits, the feet being four palms each, and the cubits six.”

If Steven Spielberg and George Lucas are looking for a storyline and location for the next Indiana Jones movie, maybe they should consider this one!???

Best,

Matt

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To learn more about me, as well as my coaching services, please visit my website at?https://www.silverarrowcoaching.com/?or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Resources

Kindle version of The Harvard Classics ($1.99):?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089K4RP1F/