Greek historian, geographer; one of the first scholars to recognize variation in humans, and to describe peoples according to physical characteristics (Historiae, Book IX: 191). Observed that land is shaped by water that may have once covered the earth; postulated that Europe, Asia and Africa are separate continents. In some cases he was a fabulist and recorded hearsay, myths, and traditions. Bachofen and other anthropologists used the material compiled by Herodotus.