The 3 Ways We Study the Past

1. Primary Sources• These are pieces of

writing, movies, songs, etc that were written by people who lived during the particular time period examined.

• Example: The Magna Carta was written in England during the Middle Ages to solve a problem that was occurring at that time.

• What are some examples you can think of?

2. Secondary Sources

• These are pieces of writings, movies, songs, etc that examine a past event.

• They are created by people who did not necessarily live at the time being examined.

• Example, your textbook is a mostly a secondary source about the past.

• Can you think of any others?

3. Archaeology and Anthropology• These are artifacts (objects made by humans) and

remains (bones, DNA) left behind that give us clues about the past.

• Example: A grave site containing bones and weapons may provide us insight into how people dressed or worshipped in the past.

• Can you think of any other examples?