Odysseus and the Historians

Studies of Homer’s influence on ancient historiography have concentrated naturally on the Iliad, a martial epic emphasising war, battle, bravery, and glory. This article, working through the figure of Odysseus, looks more closely at the influence of the Odyssey on ancient historians. It is argued that despite the problematic nature of Odysseus’ character, he was seen by historians largely in a positive light; and his curiosity, patience, cleverness, and narrative skill played fundamental roles in the subject matter and methodology of ancient historiography.