Prose Set Text Group 2 (2025–26): Herodotus, Book 1, 29–45

This section of Herodotus' Histories (Book 1, chapters 29–45) focuses on the story of Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia, and his encounter with the Athenian sage Solon. It is a pivotal passage that introduces key themes of the Histories: the fragility of human happiness, the dangers of hubris, and the role of divine retribution (nemesis). Herodotus uses this episode to explore the nature of prosperity and the limits of human foresight, setting the stage for Croesus' eventual downfall. For OCR A-Level Greek students, this text offers rich opportunities to analyse Herodotus' narrative techniques, his use of direct speech, and his moralising perspective on history.

The passage begins with Croesus, at the height of his power, showing Solon his vast treasures. He asks Solon who the happiest man is, expecting to be named himself. Instead, Solon cites Tellus of Athens and then Cleobis and Biton, arguing that true happiness (olbos) can only be judged at the end of a life. This dialogue encapsulates the Greek concept of eudaimonia (flourishing) and the idea that wealth alone does not guarantee happiness. Herodotus here contrasts Eastern despotism with Greek wisdom, a recurring theme in his work. Students should pay close attention to the rhetorical structure of Solon's speeches and the dramatic irony created by the reader's knowledge of Croesus' fate.

This passage is foundational for understanding Herodotus' historiographical method. He blends historical narrative with moral lessons, using anecdotes to illustrate broader truths about human nature. For A-Level students, this text is not just a story but a case study in how Herodotus constructs his Histories as a inquiry (historia) into the causes of conflict between Greeks and barbarians. The Croesus-Solon episode also introduces the concept of the 'cycle of human affairs' (kyklos ton anthropieon), which Herodotus later uses to explain the rise and fall of empires. Mastering this passage will help students analyse later episodes, such as Croesus' fall to Cyrus and his advice to Cyrus.