Thucydides: (about 460/450- 400 BC), an ancient Greek historian, lived in the heyday of Athens. The History of the Peloponnesian War established a paradigm for western traditional historiography, that is, the tradition of western political and military history. He highly developed the people's view of ancient Greek historiography, adhered to stricter historical criticism principles and attached importance to the guiding role of history, which became a historical tradition followed and respected by western historians for a long time and had a far-reaching impact on later generations. ?
Tacitus: (55- 120) is the greatest historian in ancient Rome. He inherited and developed Li Zhi's historical tradition and achievements. His main works are Germania, History and Chronicle. He emphasized the role of authentic records and moral education, profoundly exposed the social situation in the early Roman Empire, opposed tyranny, and cherished the praise of * * *, thus showing strong pessimism. However, his works are authoritative historical materials for studying the history of ancient Rome and have far-reaching influence.
Plutarch: (46- 120) A Greek historian under the rule of Rome, who has rich works in his life. His masterpiece "The Biography of Who Is Who in Greece and Rome" profoundly reflects the imprint of the times of the exchange and integration of Greek culture and Roman culture, and creates a precedent for historical biography in western historiography, which has a great influence on later generations.
Valla: (1406- 1457) The historian who made the greatest achievements in the research of historical materials during the Italian Renaissance was an expert in ancient Chinese literature and grammar. His main works include History in the Age of Ferdinand I, Elegance in Latin and Analysis of the Gifts of Constantine. Valla established the scientific textual research method of literature historical materials, which laid the initial research object, task and methodological foundation for literature collation.