Sources of History
Historians learn about the past using different sources, like written records, artefacts, monuments, and oral traditions.
Core concept
Written sources include ancient texts, inscriptions on stone or metal, coins with rulers' names, and manuscripts, providing direct information about the past.
How it works
Archaeological sources include artefacts like pottery, tools, and jewellery, along with structures like buildings and monuments, uncovered through excavation.
Why it matters
Oral traditions, like folk tales, songs, and legends passed down through generations, also provide insight into historical beliefs and events, especially where written records are scarce.
Key detail
Historians carefully study and cross-check different sources together to build a more accurate and complete picture of what happened in the past.
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Quick notes
• Written sources include texts, inscriptions and coins.
• Inscriptions are found on stone or metal.
• Archaeological sources include artefacts and structures.
• Excavation uncovers archaeological sources.
• Oral traditions include folk tales, songs and legends.
• Oral traditions help where written records are scarce.
• Historians cross-check multiple sources.
• Using multiple sources gives a more accurate history.