The Account of Salamis in Herodotus

Extract

It is, I think, impossible to read Professor Goodwin's article on ‘Salamis’ in the Journal of the Archaeological Institute of America, 1882—83, without arriving at the conclusion that he has made out a very strong case for his main thesis, viz., that the plan of the battle was wholly different from that which has been constructed by modern historians, who misinterpret, as I suppose Professor Goodwin would hold, the account of Herodotus. I confess to cordial adherence to the main proposition contained in the article, but I find great difficulty in understanding the argument by which he endeavours to reconcile his view with the account given by Herodotus.

That there is some defect in Herodotus' account is clear. At first reading it seems to consist in an absence of information as to the movements of the fleets in the battle itself.

My impression is, however, that Herodotus had at his disposal information with regard to those movements, but misunderstood it.

It will be necessary, in order to explain exactly what I mean, to go over much of the ground which Professor Goodwin traverses, and indeed to make use of some of his arguments.