Exploring Historical Sources

Which of the following is NOT considered a historical source?

What is an example of a non-written historical source?

Which category of historical sources includes eyewitness accounts and diaries?

What is an example of a written historical source?

Which category of historical sources includes visual documents published or made by an eyewitness or participant?

Which one of these is an example of an artifact?

What are mentifacts?

What is the importance of the historical method?

What does historical criticism evaluate?

What do sociofacts refer to?

Historical Sources

Historical sources are classified into two main categories: written and non-written.
Non-written historical sources include artifacts, oral traditions, and physical evidence.

Examples of Historical Sources

An example of a non-written historical source is an artifact, such as tools or pottery discovered from ancient civilizations.
A written historical source includes documents like letters, official records, and books.
Eyewitness accounts and diaries fall under the category of primary sources.

Visual Documents and Artifacts

Visual documents created by participants or eyewitnesses, such as photographs or paintings, are also considered primary sources.
An artifact serves as a physical representation of past human activity, providing material evidence of historical events or cultures.

Mentifacts and Sociofacts

Mentifacts refer to the intangible elements of culture, such as beliefs, values, and knowledge that shape a society's worldview.
Sociofacts encompass the social structures and organizations, including customs and family relationships, that influence group dynamics.

Historical Method and Criticism

The historical method is critical for understanding past events and involves systematic research, analysis, and interpretation of sources.
Historical criticism evaluates the authenticity and reliability of sources, determining the context and bias present in historical narratives.

Test your knowledge of historical sources and their classifications in this quiz! Explore different types of materials used for writing history, including published materials like books and magazines, manuscripts like archival records and diaries, and non-written sources like oral history and artifacts. Challenge yourself and discover the diversity of historical sources!