Ancient historians: Identify the writer traditionally credited with the first history book. Full question: The first systematic history (‘‘The Histories’’) was written by which classical author often called the ‘‘Father of History’’? Choose the correct option.

ContextAncient Greek literature established the genre of historical prose.

FactHerodotus authored The Histories in the 5th century BCE and is widely called the ‘‘Father of History.’’

ContrastsThucydides wrote a seminal history of the Peloponnesian War; Aristotle and Plato were philosophers; Pliny was a Roman natural historian.

Final AnswerHerodotus.