THE HISTORY AND HIS RESOURCES

THE HISTORY AND HIS RESOURCES. Our word history comes from a Greek word meaning "inquiry." History is the inquiry into what has happened in the past and why it has happened. BuI how do we discover what has happened in earlier days? Historical researchers act much like detectives. They search for clues that will unlock the secrets of the past. Historians lind evidence from three basic resources: artifacts, tradition, and written records. These resources provide the raw material of historical study. By collectin, analyzing, anri interpreting this material, the historian can arrive at a knowledge of the Past.

ARTIFACTS

The historian studies artilacts to learn about the background and culture of a people. Artifacts are objects made by man. They may be small relics, towering monuments. or priceless works of art. Most artifacts are simple, everyday items. Polttery,tools, weapons, fumiture, clothing, coins, and jewelry unearthed by archaeologists (men who search for and study the artifacts of the past) give us valuable information about everyday life in past centuries.

The historian also derives information from architecture. He considers, for example, the pyramids in Egypt, the Acropolis in Athens, the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall in China, the Mayan temples in Central America. the soaring cathedrals in Europe, the Taj Mahal in India, or the towering skyscrapers of New York City. These impressive structures reflect the creative skill that God has given to men as well as the character of the people who built them.

Even works of art aid the historian in understanding the past. Statues, drawings, paintings, and tapestries-"pictures of the past" depict the customs, beliefs, hobbies, fashions, and way of life of past generations.

TRADITION
Think of your own family's history. You may be able to trace your heritage back many generations. How did you learn about your family's past? Most likely this information was passed down by parents or grandparents who talked of the "good old days." Such oral communication was the earliest method of transmitting histo:ical information. It is called tradition, which is simply the handing down of information by word of mouth from generation to generation. Over the centuries tradition has taken many forms. Legends, ballads, folk songs, and tales are but a f'ew of these forms. But tradition is more than just the mere reciting of songs and stories about the past. It includes the imparting of religious beliefs, family heritage, and social customs.

WRITTEN RECORDS

Because word-of-mouth information can easily be forgotten or distorted, men have written down the traditions of the past to preserve a more accurate record fbr future generations. In the past, men have lefl behind writings chiseled in stone, carved in wood, impressed on clay, penned on papyrus, or printed on paper. These written remains are abundant and diverse. Historians gather knowledge about an age from private letters, inventory lists, inscriptions, coins, diaries, and joumals. They rely on information preserved in family, in lists of kings and dynasties, and in political and legal documents. They gain insight into the thoughts, attitudes, and feelings ofpast generations by examining their works of literature. Earlier historical works-detailed accounts of people, places, and events-are also valuable tools in understanding the past.