Who is considered the father of history?

Herodotus is recognized as the "father of history" due to his foundational contributions to the genre of historical writing. He was the first known historian to systematically collect and analyze historical data, presenting it in a narrative format that sought to explain not just events, but the underlying causes and cultural contexts. His work, "Histories," not only documented the Greco-Persian Wars but also included discussions on the customs, geography, and various peoples of the world known to him at the time. This approach marked a significant departure from the mythological and anecdotal styles that preceded him, setting the groundwork for future historians.

Thucydides, although an important historian in his own right, focused more on the Peloponnesian War and took a more analytical and empirical approach compared to Herodotus. While both Thucydides and other figures like Plato and Socrates made significant contributions to philosophy and thought, it is Herodotus who is specifically credited with establishing history as a discipline.