Introduction to Historiography

Historiography

The study of how history has been written, spoken, or thought about over several millennia.

Cumulative History

The concept of history as a river of events, causes, and effects leading to the present day.

E. H. Carr

Historian known for his work 'What is History?', discussing the nature of historical writing.

Historical Knowledge

Understanding the past that goes beyond personal memory and encompasses broader historical context.

Historical Culture

A broad set of forms of engagement with the past, beyond just written history.

Certeau's Perspective

Michel de Certeau's view that societies use historical writing to shape their present understanding and identity.

Eurocentrism

The dominance of European perspectives in historical narratives and the tendency to view them as universal.

Ancient Cuneiform

One of the earliest forms of writing, originating in Mesopotamia, used for recording history.

Oral History

Tradition of passing down knowledge and history through spoken language before the advent of written records.

Temporal and Geographic 'Other'

The concept of understanding and representing past societies distinct from one's own time and place.