Podcast
Questions and Answers
The term history is derived from the Greek word ______ which meant 'inquiry' or 'an account of one’s inquiries.'
The term history is derived from the Greek word ______ which meant 'inquiry' or 'an account of one’s inquiries.'
historia
The first use of the term history is attributed to the ancient Greek historian ______, who is often called the 'father of written history.'
The first use of the term history is attributed to the ancient Greek historian ______, who is often called the 'father of written history.'
Herodotus
Primary sources are original or first-hand accounts of events, while ______ sources provide second-hand interpretations of those events.
Primary sources are original or first-hand accounts of events, while ______ sources provide second-hand interpretations of those events.
secondary
The father of modern historiography is considered to be ______.
The father of modern historiography is considered to be ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Oral tradition is particularly important for documenting the history of ______ societies.
Oral tradition is particularly important for documenting the history of ______ societies.
Signup and view all the answers
The earliest known reference to the history of Ethiopia and the Horn is the ______ of the Erythrean Sea.
The earliest known reference to the history of Ethiopia and the Horn is the ______ of the Erythrean Sea.
Signup and view all the answers
One of the uses of history is that it helps us better understand the ______.
One of the uses of history is that it helps us better understand the ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Chronicles in ancient Ethiopian Ge‟ez first appeared in the ______ century.
Chronicles in ancient Ethiopian Ge‟ez first appeared in the ______ century.
Signup and view all the answers
The language in which the hagiographies are invariably written is ______.
The language in which the hagiographies are invariably written is ______.
Signup and view all the answers
The largest groups of sources for medieval Ethiopian history are ______ originating from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The largest groups of sources for medieval Ethiopian history are ______ originating from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Nature of History
- History, derived from the Greek "historia," meaning inquiry or account of inquiry, is often attributed to Herodotus as the "father of written history."
- History differentiates itself from other disciplines by studying human-environment interactions in the past, within the framework of ongoing change.
Uses of History
- History provides a deeper understanding of the present.
- History offers a sense of personal identity.
- History provides foundational knowledge for other disciplines.
- Studying history develops critical thinking skills.
- History fosters tolerance and open-mindedness.
- History can be entertaining.
Sources of Historical Study
- Primary sources are firsthand accounts close in time and space to the event, including manuscripts, diaries, letters, court records, travel documents, photographs, maps, videos, relics, coins, etc.
- Secondary sources are second-hand accounts, published later, offering interpretations and analyses of events. Examples include articles, books, biographies, and historical films.
- Oral sources are crucial for understanding non-literate societies, including oral traditions passed down through generations.
History of Historical Writing in Ethiopia and the Horn
- Historiography, the history of historical accounts, examines how past knowledge is acquired and transmitted.
- History became a distinct academic discipline in the late 19th century, starting in Europe and spreading to other parts.
- Leopold von Ranke is considered the "father of modern historiography" for establishing history as a scientific discipline with specific methods and concepts.
- Early historical references include the Periplus of the Erythrean Sea (1st century CE) and the Christian Topography (6th century CE), documenting trade and Aksumite campaigns.
- Early Ethiopian historical documents are predominantly manuscripts originating from medieval times from monasteries such as from the Haiq Istifanos monastery of Welle (13th century AD).
- Hagiographies (biographies of saints) from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church are a significant source for medieval Ethiopian history, often written in Ge'ez and enhancing the saint's prestige.
- Chronicles are indigenous Ethiopian historical accounts, often written in Ge'ez, and later in Amharic. They emerged in the 14th century, recounting kings' genealogies, upbringings, military campaigns, piety, and statesmanship. Examples include the Glorious Victories of Amde-Tsion and Tarika Zemen Za Dagmawi Menilek.
- Chronicles incorporate facts, legends, and contemporary events, but chronology (especially absolute chronology) requires thorough analysis. They are sometimes weak on quantification and portray major events with a strong religious lens, providing limited information on social and economic themes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the fundamental aspects of history, including its unique nature and significance in understanding our past and present. This quiz covers various sources of historical study, differentiating between primary and secondary sources, as well as the broader implications of historical inquiry.
