Logograafiliste

The term "logograafiliste" (or logographist) refers to individuals who were responsible for compiling historical or geographical records in ancient Greece. These individuals held a significant, albeit often less prominent, role compared to the renowned philosophers and playwrights of the era. Logographists typically focused on collecting and recording factual information, often in a systematic manner. Their work served as a foundation for later historical writing, providing source material and accounts of events and places. The term itself derives from the Greek words "logos" (word, speech, account) and "graphein" (to write).

Unlike epic poets who presented narratives in a dramatic and often embellished style, logographists aimed for a more objective presentation of information. Their output could range from local histories and genealogies to descriptions of customs and geographical surveys. While many of their original works have been lost, their contributions are understood through references and citations in the writings of later historians, most notably Herodotus. Herodotus himself is sometimes considered a logographist in his early stages of writing, as he gathered and presented a vast amount of information from various sources before developing his more sophisticated historical narrative. The existence of logographists highlights the early Greek interest in documenting their world and preserving knowledge.