Class 101 History Reading Notes

What is History?

• History refers to the recording and interpretation of past events.

• The Greeks and Romans were pioneers in chronicling historical events in written form.

• Significant themes covered by historians include:

  • War and peace

  • Wealth and poverty

  • Human nature and mortality

• Historians aimed to explain not just what happened, but also why events occurred.

Distinction of History from Myth

• Ancient historians differentiated between history and mythology, inquiring into divine and human causation.

• Modern historians continue to study ancient historiography to retrieve historical information from past records.

• Family histories prompt exploration of personal and community backgrounds.

Definitions and Meanings of History

• Historically, the words "history" and "story" were synonymous, derived from the Latin "historia."

• Modern usage of the term "story" leans toward fictional narratives, while "history" focuses on factual accounts.

• Related terms include:

  • Historian

  • Historiographer

  • Historic

  • Historical

Possible Definitions of History

1. The study of past events, particularly human affairs.

2. A systematic account of significant past occurrences.

3. The analysis of historical evidence to understand different cultures.

Tools for Studying History

• Historical records come from various sources, including:

  • Texts by historians, playwrights, philosophers, etc.

  • Legal and commercial documents, personal letters, and inscriptions.

  • Archaeological artifacts, like buildings and sculptures.

• The method of inquiry includes posing questions and seeking evidence for historical events.

Calendars and Timekeeping in History

• Ancient societies developed calendars based on natural cycles:

  • Egyptians were the first to employ a solar calendar.

  • Others, like Babylonians and Greeks, used lunar calendars.

• Specific calendars:

  • Hebrew calendar calculated from creation (3761 BCE).

  • Islamic calendar commenced from Muhammad's flight (622 CE).

  • The Roman calendar evolved from a 10-month system to include January and February.

• Ancient Greeks recognized two concepts of time:

  • Chronos: Measurable time.

  • Kairos: The appropriate moment for action.

Greek and Roman Historiography

• Early historians did not clearly separate myth, legend, and history; epic poems were viewed as historical.

• Herodotus, regarded as the father of history, emphasized moral instruction through history.

• Thucydides focused on causal analysis and political realism, documenting the Peloponnesian War.

• Xenophon chronicled his experiences as a soldier and provided political and military analyses.

• Polybius linked historical study to the training of statesmen.

• Flavius Josephus wrote about Jewish history, influenced by his own experiences.

Prominent Ancient Historians

• Herodotus: Explored the Persian Wars and included personal inquiries.

• Thucydides: Chronicled the Peloponnesian War with a focus on cause and effect.

• Xenophon: Wrote about the Socratic thought, Greek history, and military exploits.

• Polybius: Documented the rise of Rome with emphasis on governance.

• Livy: Examined the history of Rome from its foundation, focusing on moral decline post-Caesar.

• Tacitus: Provided critical accounts of the Roman Empire and displayed concern for its morality.

Methodologies of Ancient Historians

• Ancient historians often embellished narratives with speeches for rhetorical effect.

• In contrast to modern historians, personal experiences were deemed essential for credible history writing.

• Works like the Commentaries on the Gallic War by Julius Caesar served as both records and propaganda.

Extracts from Key Historians

• Herodotus: Aims to preserve exceptional deeds and provide insight into diverse cultures.

• Thucydides: Advocated for accurate investigation over poetic embellishments and saw his work as a timeless resource.

• Polybius: Emphasized the importance of understanding past events to navigate future circumstances.

• Livy: Described the origins of Rome while recognizing the embellishment of mythological elements.

• Tacitus: Critiqued earlier historians and highlighted pressures on intellectual freedom during imperial rule.

Conclusion

• The evolution of history writing is central to understanding human experience and society.

• The ancient tradition formed the basis for modern historiography, existing as a critical tool for instruction and reflection in contemporary contexts.