Quote#Wisdom
Polybius is not less express than Thucydides in asserting the…
Quote byJohn Bagnell Bury · 1861–1927
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Ancient Greek Historians (1909), p. 197.
English (original)
Polybius is not less express than Thucydides in asserting the principle that accurate representation of facts was the fundamental duty of the historian. He lays down that three things are requisite for performing such a task as his: the study and criticism of sources; autopsy, that is, personal knowledge of lands and places; and thirdly, political experience.
— John Bagnell Bury
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