Anthropological Turn
Siep Stuurman. Herodotus and Sima Qian: History and the Anthropological Turn in Ancient Greece and Han China Journal of World History - Volume 19, Number 1, March 2008, pp. 1-40
12 September 2008
The author takes advantages of two independent civilizations that looked to history as a means not only to record the past but as well as a way to reflect upon itself. These civilizations were the Greeks and the Han Dynasty of China. While both are known for fascinating historical documents the author has chosen two historians which are held in high regard for both their civilizations. This is important as the work of both historians would later go on to influence the way future historians would record, dissect and ultimately chronicle history.
The author begins by clearly stating he has set out to compare the works of both “Fathers of History”. These two individuals are Herodotus and Sima Qian. The author decidedly focused his comparison on their description of nomadic cultures (ethnography) in relation to the impact their views of empire and cultural difference. Furthermore, he acknowledges that both of the ancient historians existed in a time in which their civilizations were peaking and thus looked to cultural comparisons as a means to provide commentary on their own societies. This social commentary provides the basis for pioneering the use of the “Anthropological Turn”.
As you begin to read the article it becomes apparent the author has intended his work to be able to be read with someone not familiar with Herodotus or Sima Qian. He spends the first 15 pages introducing the reader to both historians. He gives the reader insight to the time each historian existed. He discusses the time period of their writing as well as their personal status within their own civilization. We are also introduced to what I consider the two most important aspects which cause both historians to migrate towards the “Anthropological Turn”....
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