Which ancient Greek historian lost his command during the Peloponnesian War but later wrote about it?

Prepare for the CLEP Western Civilization 1 Test with our interactive quizzes and insightful explanations. Boost your readiness with well-designed questions and essential historical insights!

Thucydides is the ancient Greek historian known for his account of the Peloponnesian War, a conflict between Athens and Sparta that took place from 431 to 404 BCE. A significant aspect of Thucydides' background is that he was a general in the Athenian army during the war. He lost his command in 424 BCE after a failed military engagement, which led to his temporary exile from Athens. This experience deeply informed his historical writings.

In his work, "History of the Peloponnesian War," Thucydides employs a critical, analytical approach to historical events, emphasizing the importance of cause and effect and the role of human nature in the progress of history. His firsthand experiences during the war and his later reflections while writing contributed to his critical perspective, making his account one of the most significant early studies of history. His methodology contrasted sharply with that of earlier historians, such as Herodotus, who focused more on narrative and anecdote.

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