Today's Passage
This passage appears in Thucydides' introduction to his History of the Peloponnesian War, where he explains his historical methodology.
Crawley Translation (1910)
With reference to the speeches in this history, some were delivered before the war began, others while it was going on; some I heard myself, others I got from various quarters; it was in all cases difficult to carry them word for word in one’s memory, so my habit has been to make the speakers say what was in my opinion demanded of them by the various occasions, of course adhering as closely as possible to the general sense of what they really said. And with reference to the narrative of events, far from permitting myself to derive it from the first source that came to hand, I did not even trust my own impressions, but it rests partly on what I saw myself, partly on what others saw for me, the accuracy of the report being always tried by the most severe and detailed tests possible. My conclusions have cost me some labour from the want of coincidence between accounts of the same occurrences by different eye-witnesses, arising sometimes from imperfect memory, sometimes from undue partiality for one side or the other. The absence of romance in my history will, I fear, detract somewhat from its interest; but if it be judged useful by those inquirers who desire an exact knowledge of the past as an aid to the interpretation of the future, which in the course of human things must resemble if it does not reflect it, I shall be content. In fine, I have written my work, not as an essay which is to win the applause of the moment, but as a possession for all time.
Modern Translation
Concerning the speeches recorded in this history, some were delivered before the war began, others during its course. Some I heard personally, while others were reported to me from various sources. In every case, it proved difficult to recall the exact words from memory. Therefore, I have followed the practice of making the speakers say what, in my judgment, the circumstances required of them, while keeping as closely as possible to the overall sense of what was actually said. As for my account of events, I have not allowed myself to write based on information from random sources, nor have I relied solely on my own impressions. Instead, my narrative is based partly on what I witnessed myself and partly on what others witnessed, with the accuracy of every report subjected to the most rigorous and detailed scrutiny possible. Reaching my conclusions required considerable effort, due to inconsistencies between different eyewitness accounts of the same events—discrepancies arising sometimes from faulty memory, sometimes from bias toward one side or the other. The lack of romantic embellishment in my history will, I fear, make it less entertaining. However, if those who seek precise knowledge of the past—as a guide to understanding the future, which human nature ensures will resemble or mirror it—judge my work useful, I shall be satisfied. Ultimately, I have written this work not as a showpiece to win momentary applause, but as a possession for all time.
Historical Context
This passage appears in Thucydides' introduction to his History of the Peloponnesian War, where he explains his historical methodology. Writing in the late 5th century BCE, Thucydides establishes himself as a revolutionary historian by articulating principles of evidence-based history. He distinguishes his work from earlier historians like Herodotus and the epic poets by emphasizing accuracy over entertainment. This methodological statement comes after his assertion that the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) was the greatest conflict in Greek history. Thucydides, an Athenian general who was exiled during the war, had unique access to both sides of the conflict. His emphasis on eyewitness testimony and critical evaluation of sources established standards that would influence historiography for millennia.
Annotations & References
Ancient Greek Historiography
Thucydides revolutionized historical writing by introducing critical methodology and rejecting mythological explanations. Unlike Herodotus, who included legends and hearsay, Thucydides insisted on verifiable evidence and eyewitness accounts, establishing what we now recognize as scientific history.
Learn more →Speeches in Ancient Historians
Ancient historians commonly reconstructed speeches based on what was appropriate to the occasion. Thucydides' admission that he composed speeches while trying to preserve their general sense was standard practice, reflecting the oral nature of Greek political culture.
Learn more →ktema es aiei (Possession for All Time)
This famous phrase encapsulates Thucydides' ambition to create a work of permanent value rather than temporary entertainment. He believed human nature was constant, making historical patterns relevant for understanding future events.
Learn more →Parallel Ancient Sources
Herodotus: Histories (Book 1, Preface)
Herodotus states his purpose to preserve great deeds from oblivion and explain the causes of the Persian Wars, emphasizing entertainment and moral lessons rather than Thucydides' scientific accuracy.
Read passage →Polybius: Histories (Book 12, Chapter 25)
Polybius explicitly praises Thucydides' methodology and criticizes historians who prioritize style over accuracy, showing the lasting influence of Thucydides' approach on later Greek historiography.
Read passage →Lucian: How to Write History (Sections 39-42)
Lucian cites Thucydides as the model historian who avoided flattery and sensationalism, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and factual accuracy in historical writing.
Read passage →Discussion Questions
- How does Thucydides' admission that he reconstructed speeches affect our trust in his historical account? Can history be both accurate and contain invented speeches?
- What does Thucydides mean by history as a 'possession for all time'? Do you agree that human nature remains constant enough for ancient history to guide future action?
- How does Thucydides' rejection of 'romance' in favor of accuracy reflect broader changes in Greek intellectual culture during the 5th century BCE?
- Compare Thucydides' methodology with modern historical practices. What aspects seem remarkably modern, and what reveals the limitations of ancient historiography?