Composed in nine books, Herodotus’ monumental work The Histories is widely regarded as the founding work of history in Western literature. Written from the 450s to the 420s BC in the Ionic dialect, this precious text serves as a record of the ancient traditions, politics, geography and conflicts of various cultures in the Mediterranean and Asia Minor, from prehistoric to Classical times. The text implies that Herodotus travelled extensively around the ancient world, conducting interviews and collecting stories for his work. He provides much intriguing information about the nature of the world and the status of science during his lifetime, often engaging in private and engaging speculation. Although it is an impartial record, the text remains one of the most important historical sources regarding these affairs. It is responsible for establishing the genre and study of history in the Western world, winning its author the eternal epithet of ‘Father of History’.