Before you, is a portrait of the fifth-century B.C. Greek historian, Herodotos of Halikarnassos. The Latin orator, Cicero, called him the father of history. Herodotos achieved great fame already in his lifetime. His Histories chronicle the Greek wars with Persia in the first quarter of the fifth century B.C., and the years surrounding those momentous events. This portrait bust is a Roman copy of a Greek statue of Herodotos, from the first half of the fourth century B.C. In contrast to the Greek preference for full-length portrait statues, the Romans were mainly interested in the faces of famous Greeks. They usually copied only the heads. Portraits, like this one, served as icons of Greek culture that was so highly esteemed by wealthy Romans. They exhibited these marble busts in the courtyards of their homes and country villas, and in their gardens and libraries. A bust, like this one, might elicit conversations about the Histories of Herodotos. Herodotos’ most brilliant and original achievement is how he interweaves local legends into a historical narrative that spans more than 70 years. His Histories encompass most of the world known to the ancient Greeks. If you would like to hear what Herodotos wrote about the nomadic Scythians, press the PLAY button now.