Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why did Plutarch criticize the historian Herodotus?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Plutarch
Greek biographer and author Plutarch, c. 100 ce.
Plutarch’s criticism of the historian Herodotus is primarily expressed in his essay titled "On the Malignity of Herodotus."1
Plutarch, who was a native of Boeotia, felt a strong sense of local patriotism. His attack on Herodotus is widely considered to be virulent and unfair, stemming from his belief that Herodotus had treated Athens with excessive favor while failing to give Boeotia the justice or recognition he felt it deserved.12