Sources of History

Lesson 2
 Historical data are sourced from
artifacts that have been left by the past.
These can be relics or remains, or the
testimonies of witnesses to the past which
historians depend in order to create their
own depiction of that past.
 Written Sources
Non-written Sources
 The written sources of history are
categorized in three (3) ways:
a. Narrative or literary;
b. Diplomatic or judicial; and
c. Social documents.
 Narrative or Literary
- These are chronicles or tracts presented in
narrative form, written to impart a message
whose motives for their composition vary
widely.
- Examples are newspaper, ego document, novel,
and film.
 Diplomatic or Judicial
- These are understood to be those which document or
record and existing legal situation
- It is kind of sources that professional historians once
treated as purest, “best” source.
- A legal document is usually sealed or authenticated to
provide evidence that a legal transaction has been
completed and can be used as evidence in judicial
proceedings in case of dispute.
 Social Documents
- These are information pertaining to economic, social,
political, or judicial significance.
- They are records kept by bureaucracies.
- Examples such as government reports, municipal
accounts, property registers records of census, and
research findings.
 There are two (2) types of non-written
sources:
a. material evidence; and
b. oral evidence
 Material Evidence
- Also known as archaeological evidence
which includes artistic creations such as
pottery, jewelry, graves, and others that tell
a story about the past.
 Oral Evidence
- Much is told by the tales or sagas of
ancient people and the folk songs or
popular rituals from the pre-modern
period of Philippine history.
General Kinds of Historical Sources
(1) Direct or Primary Sources
(2) Indirect or Secondary Sources
 Direct or Primary Sources
- These are original, first-hand account of an event
or period that are usually written or made during or
close to the event or period.
- Their key function is to provide facts.
- Examples are diaries, journals, newspapers,
government records, interviews, novels, stories, and
drawings.
 Direct or Primary Sources
- Primary sources provide a window into the
past—unfiltered access to the record of artistic,
social, scientific and political thought and
achievement during the specific period under study,
produced by people who lived during that period.
 Direct or Primary Sources
- These unique, often profoundly personal, documents
and objects can give a very real sense of what it was
like to be alive during a long-past era.
- Primary sources often incomplete and have little
context. Students must use prior knowledge and
work with multiple primary sources to find patterns.
 Indirect or Secondary Sources
- These are second-hand information or materials
made by people long after the events being
described had taken place to provide valuable
interpretations of historical events.
- Usually, the author will have to study the primary
sources of an historical period or event and will then
interpret the “evidence” found in these sources.
 Indirect or Secondary Sources
- Examples are biographies, histories, art and theatre
reviews.
- It can provide analysis, synthesis, interpretation, or
evaluation of the original information.
- These are best for uncovering background or historical
information about a topic and broadening your
understanding of a topic by exposing you to others’
perspectives, interpretations, and conclusions.