Set in mid-4th century BC Greece, Historie is a fictionalized account of Eumenes, a royal secretary and general under Alexander the Great. The narrative chronicles his life from childhood to adulthood. Born into a wealthy family in the city-state of Cardia, Eumenens is enslaved after being falsely accused of causing his adoptive father's death. Following his escape, he embarks on a prolonged journey where his intellect, strategic acumen, and skill in warfare bring him renown.
Characters
Historie portrays many historical characters who actually existed in ancient Greece and Persia.
Eumenes, an intelligent youth from Cardia, suffers recurring nightmares of a woman killing soldiers. Originally a Scythian, he was adopted by Hieronymus after his family died in a Greek slave raid. Following Thrax's escape and subsequent events, Hieronymus is killed and Eumenes' heritage is revealed, resulting in his enslavement. After a failed slave mutiny and shipwreck near Paphlagonia, he washes ashore near Boa village. There, he educates villagers in Greek customs while assimilating into their community. When mercenaries from Tios attack Boa, Eumenes successfully defends it, killing their leader. He later returns to besieged Cardia, where he becomes Philip II's apprentice after demonstrating tactical knowledge.
Charon
He serves as a slave in the Hieronymus household and acts as Eumenes' personal attendant (pedagogue in the classical sense). Before Eumenes departs Cardia, he gives him an amulet belonging to Eumenes' mother. Later revelations show he was present during Eumenes' mother's death, despite previous denials, and contributed to her demise by holding the young Eumenes hostage. After these events, he relocates to Piraeus where he achieves fame and fortune.
Hieronymus (the Elder)
Hieronymus initially appears as Eumenes' father but is later revealed to have adopted him after his subordinates slaughtered Eumenes' biological family during a slave raid. Though not directly responsible for the killings, Hieronymus led the expedition. He is presumed killed during Thrax's escape attempt, though another individual ultimately bears responsibility for his death.
Hieronymus's son resents Eumenes during their childhood, envying his superior intellect and skills as well as their father's apparent favoritism. When Eumenes is enslaved, revelations suggest Hieronymus privately documented much of Eumenes' life, implying latent paternal concern.
Tolmides
A childhood companion of Eumenes who serves in Cardia's militia forces during Eumenes' return to the city.
Satura
A villager from Boa who initially regards Eumenes with cautious interest. Their bond strengthens as Eumenes integrates into the community, becoming romantic after war nullifies her betrothal to Tios's heir. To protect Boa when Tios discovers Eumenes' role in the conflict, he severs their relationship through deception, facilitating her political marriage to Telemakos.
Perialla
A childhood acquaintance of Eumenes who initially displays romantic interest in him. Following his enslavement, her attitude shifts to hostility. She eventually marries the son of a local wheelmaker.
Thrax
A Scythian slave who recognizes Eumenes as a fellow countryman. He instigates a violent escape from Cardia, slaughtering numerous militia and civilians. During a marketplace confrontation, he spares Eumenes' life, arousing the citizens' suspicion. Mortally wounded during the uprising, he pursues Eumenes before dying. Authorities later blame him for Hieronymus the Elder's death.
Theogeiton
A moneylender who owns the enslaved Thrax, notorious for his harsh treatment of those under his control. He and his family perish when Thrax breaks free from his restraints.
A Greek mercenary commander in Persian service leads the pursuit of Aristotle. He first appears in Assos, then under Persian control, interrogating Hermias—Aristotle's father-in-law—to locate the philosopher.
Aristotle's father-in law; a Eunuch. First seen chained up in Assus. Even under intense interrogation, he refuses to say anything about the teacher Aristotle.
Aristotle
A prominent philosopher pursued by the Persian Empire on espionage charges. Fleeing with his student Callisthenes and the slave Victas, he encounters Eumenes near the ruins of Troy while seeking passage across the Dardanelles. Delayed by Eumenes' unfinished boat construction, they spend the night in discussion, during which the philosopher recognizes Eumenes' intellectual aptitude. The group narrowly evades Persian forces the following day, crossing to Europe with Eumenes temporarily remaining behind as they continue toward Cardia.
The king of Macedonia first appears posing as Antigonus, a merchant from Perinthus seeking Hieronymus the Younger in Cardia. He encounters Eumenes outside the city gates and, impressed by his resourcefulness in gaining entry, impulsively offers him employment.
Son of Philip II, shown as an intellectually disabled child. Eumenes gave him a toy chariot, replaced when Alexander the Great accidentally destroyed it.
The son of Philip II of Macedon and half-brother of Arrhidaeus exhibits a respectful demeanor and natural leadership qualities. He displays a calm disposition and bears a distinctive snake-shaped scar. The character manifests an alternate personality named Hephaestion, who lacks this scar and demonstrates an aversion to snakes.
The mother of Alexander the Great maintains close associations with male advisors while pursuing undisclosed political objectives related to her son's reign.
A relative of Attalus who was romantically involved with Eumedes prior to her betrothal to Philip II of Macedon.
Publication
Written and illustrated by Hitoshi Iwaaki, Historie has been serialized in Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Monthly Afternoon since 25 January 2003.[a] Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on 22 October 2004.[5] In the October 2022 issue of Monthly Afternoon (released on 24 August), Iwaki announced that he would take a break to work on the production of the twelfth volume. He also commented: "I must contemplate how to ensure that the entire story undoubtedly reaches a conclusion."[6] The twelfth volume was released on 21 June 2024.[7][8]
In August 2024, Kodansha began publishing the series in English on its K Manga digital service.[9]
The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper called Iwaaki's vision of Eumenes' past (which, historically, is largely a mystery) "bold and unique".[27] Manga critic and editor Jason Thompson stated that in terms of scale, ambition, and plotting, Historie is the author's masterpiece.[1]
Notes
^The series started in the March 2003 issue of the magazine,[3] released on 25 January of the same year.[4]
