History sources archaeology primary & secondary sources
- 1. A Question I meant to ask at the beginning of the year: If any student is offended by photos of videos of people who have died since the photo or video was taken or are offended by viewing images of skeletal remains please see me after class. I need to know this so I can take care not to offend anyone in this class
- 3. The work ‘history’ comes from the ancient Greek word historia, which means ‘investigation’. Understanding that history is an ongoing investigation (or inquiry) is the key to this subject. History is about thinking, understanding and developing research and other skills that are useful in life. History is investigation
- 4. Historians use all the tools of science, maths, literature, economics, geography and more to help solve the riddles of the past. In this way historians are like time detectives.
- 5. Historians use an inquiry approach when they investigate controversies and mysteries of the ancient past. They: • Conduct research to gather evidence from a range of sources • Evaluate the usefulness of the sources and analyse the evidence they gather from them In many cases, when investigating the ancient past, some of the evidence is missing. For this reason, historians need to piece together the past from various types of sources – kind of like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle that is missing some of its pieces. History is investigation
- 6. Types of Sources or Evidence Sources Artefacts such as human remains, pottery, weapons, tools, coins and art Writing including inscriptions carved in stone, and writing on walls, papyrus, clay, wood and paper Oral histories past down from generations or recorded in paintings, dances and ceremonies Images (photographs and film from recent history
- 9. Types of Artefacts Art Archaeologists think early rock art may have been a ‘magical’ ritual to ensure success in an important activity, such as a hunt
- 11. Types of Artefact Sources
- 12. Types of Writing Sources
- 13. Types of Oral Sources North American Indians oral traditions
- 14. Types of Image Sources
- 16. Archaeology Archaeology is the study of the remains of the past. Archaeologists locate and uncover sources of evidence of past peoples. This can include: • skeletal remains • the ruins of buildings and tombs • artefacts they made such as pottery, weapons, tools and coins • Inscriptions and stone carvings • Rubbish dumps (middens)
- 17. Some archaeologists even work underwater to find sources on the sea bed such as ancient shipwrecks
- 18. Excavating Archaeological sites Most sources found on land are buried. They might be covered by soil from floods or by sand blown by the wind or overgrown by dense jungle. Some lie beneath other buildings built over time on the site. Archaeologists work to locate and excavate artefacts and other sources of evidence.
- 19. Once archaeologists have located an historical site they thing may provide important artefacts and information about the past, it is roped off from the public. These sites are referred to as archaeological digs.
- 20. When excavating an archaeological dig great care is taken to remove the overlying rocks and dirt, sometimes even using teaspoons and small brushes. Once an artefact is fully exposed and excavated, the archaeologist photographs and numbers it and records details of its description and the exact location where it was found. Oinochoe Wine jug ShabtiCalyx Krater Terracotta Army
- 21. Primary & Secondary Sources *Primary Sources are the most reliable *
- 22. • Inscriptions (Writing carved in stone)
- 23. Ancient Greek law inscribed in stone War Diary