Junior Cycle History Revision Plan Comprehensive Study Notes
The Historian
Topic Breakdown and Fundamental Concepts
History and Its Definition: History is the study of the past, focusing on why things happened and how they shaped the present. The historian is the individual who investigates these past events to construct a narrative or understanding.
Types of Sources: Historians distinguish between different forms of evidence.
Primary Sources: These are first-hand accounts or direct evidence from the time of a specific event. Examples include diaries, letters, photographs, and official documents from the period being studied.
Secondary Sources: These are accounts created after the event has occurred, often by people who did not witness or participate in it. A common example is a modern history textbook or a biography written decades after the subject's death.
Source Analysis and Reliability: Historians must evaluate the credibility of their evidence.
Bias: A one-sided or prejudiced view of an event. A disadvantage of eyewitness accounts is that they are often subject to bias based on the individual's perspective or memory.
Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Fact vs. Opinion: A fact is something that can be proven true, while an opinion represents a personal belief or viewpoint.
Measurement of Time:
Chronology: The arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.
B.C. and A.D.: B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, or "In the year of our Lord") are the standard markers for historical eras.
Prehistory: This term refers to the period of time before written records were developed.
Key Words and Personalities
Bias: Subjectivity in a historical source.
Primary source: Original, contemporaneous evidence.
Secondary source: Later interpretation or summary of events.
Propaganda: Deliberate manipulation of information for a specific cause.
Fact: Verifiable evidence.
Opinion: Personal judgment or perspective.
Prehistory: Human history before the invention of writing.
Study Questions and Applications
What is the specific definition of a primary source and can you provide an example?
What is a secondary source and can you provide an example?
What are two pieces of advice for judging if a source is reliable (e.g., checking for bias or cross-referencing with other sources)?
Where are two places historians can typically find sources (e.g., archives, museums, or libraries)?
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/687977642/chapter-01-how-do-historians-find-out-about-the-past-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt
Video Guide (Intro): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKEkfZS4-m64&list=PLTX-YBX0IB43uMFBdA3biYq9YhNCI218W
Video Guide (Sources): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwd83cHsAg0&list=PLTX-YBX0IB43uMFBdA3biYq9YhNCi218W&index=3
Video Guide (Reliability): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVTRUH0DIDQ&list=PLTX-YBX0IB43uMFBdA3biYq9YhNCi218W&index=5
Video Guide (Chronology): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGmhsxjhcNQ&list=PLTX-YBX0IB43uMFBdA3biYq9YhNCi218W&index=7
The Archaeologist
Topic Breakdown and Methodology
Definition of Archaeology: The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains.
Finding Sites for Excavation: Archaeologists use various methods to locate potential sites, including:
Geophysical Survey: A non-invasive method that uses technology to see beneath the ground without digging.
Aerial Photography: Looking for patterns in the landscape from above.
Historical Documents: Searching maps or accounts of ancient structures.
Dating Objects and Evidence: Determining the age of finds is critical. Methods include:
Stratigraphy: Analyzing the layers (strata) of the earth. Generally, the deeper the layer, the older the artifact.
Dendrochronology: Also known as tree-ring dating. This involves counting and analyzing the patterns of growth rings in wood samples.
Radiocarbon Dating: Measuring the amount of carbon-14 remaining in organic materials (like bone or wood) to determine how long ago the organism died.
Physical Evidence:
Artefacts: Objects made or used by humans, such as pottery, tools, or weapons.
Post holes: Dark patches in the soil that show where wooden posts for ancient houses once stood.
Key Words and Personalities
Archaeology: The practical study of physical remains.
Site: The specific location of an excavation.
Excavation: The actual process of digging for remains.
Radiocarbon dating: Scientific method for dating organic matter.
Dendrochronology: Scientific method for dating wood.
Stratigraphy: Dating items based on soil layers.
Artefact: Human-made object of historical interest.
Evidence: Physical proof of past activity.
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/689871302/chapter-02-how-do-archaeologists-find-out-about-the-past-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt
Video Guide (Archaeology Basics): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z3chuDaORO&list=PLTX-YBX0IB432quF8BokpFKL8TpyjXoBl
Video Guide (Site Finding): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpJSw4VghOE&list=PLTX-YBX0IB432quF8BokpFKL8TpyjXoBl&index=2
Life in Ancient Rome
Social Structure and Daily Life
Social Classes: Roman society was divided primarily into two groups:
Patricians: The wealthy, land-owning noble class who held most of the power.
Plebians: The common citizens of Rome, including merchants, craftsmen, and laborers.
Living Conditions:
Domus: A large, private house in the city for wealthy Romans.
Insulae: Multi-story apartment blocks where the poor Romans lived.
Villa: A country house or estate for the wealthy.
Government Assistance: The dole was a grain handout provided by the Roman state to poor citizens to prevent civil unrest.
Clothing:
Toga: The formal garment worn by Roman citizens (men).
Stola: A long dress worn by married Roman women.
Family and Education:
Orator: Someone skilled in public speaking, a highly valued trait in Roman life.
Dowry: Property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage. The legal age for girls to marry was as young as 12.
Achievements, Infrastructure, and Entertainment
Architecture and Engineering:
Aqueduct: Artificial channels built to transport fresh water into cities and towns.
Heating: Wealthy houses used an underfloor heating system called a hypocaust.
Entertainment:
Circus Maximus: A massive arena used primarily for chariot racing.
Gladiator Games: Violent spectacles often held in amphitheaters like the Colosseum.
Military and Borders: Hadrian's Wall was a massive stone fortification built across northern Britain to protect the Roman Empire from tribes.
Legends: The origin story of Rome involves the twin brothers Romulus and Remus.
Catastrophes: The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were famously destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Historical Personalities and Legacy
Julius Caesar: A famous general and leader who made significant changes to Rome, including reforming the calendar (the Julian calendar).
Spartacus: A famous slave who led a major revolt against the Roman Republic.
Constantine: The Emperor who legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.
Language: Latin is the base for several European languages, including Italian, French, and Spanish.
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/690193970/chapter-03-life-and-achievements-in-ancient-rome-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt
Video Guide (Life in Rome): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-n21iRwZ5c&list=PLTX-YBX0IB4310S08E69vw2RatWmt3JjB
Video Guide (Achievements): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLDFq0AM5f4&list=PLTX-YBX0IB4310S08E69vw2RatWmt3JjB&index=2
Early Christian Ireland
The Arrival of Christianity
Origins:
Palladius was sent as the first bishop to the Irish "believing in Christ."
St. Patrick: Arrived in Ireland around 432 A.D. He famously wrote a memoir/account titled the Confessio.
Monastic Life:
Monasteries: Centers of religious life, such as Clonmacnoise. They were led by an Abbot.
Housing: Monks lived in stone beehive huts, which often utilized corbelled roofing.
Daily Rituals: Monks wore a specific hairstyle called a tonsure (shaved on top).
Scriptorium: A room dedicated to the hand-copying of books.
Artifacts and Culture
Manuscripts: Hand-written documents, usually in Latin (the language of the Catholic Church).
Vellum: A fine writing surface made from calfskin.
Scribe: A person who specializes in copying manuscripts.
Art and Architecture:
Round Tower: Tall, thin towers used for storage and as bell towers; examples exist atvarious sites.
High Crosses: Large stone crosses decorated with biblical scenes, used for teaching the illiterate about the Bible.
Metalwork: Key examples include the Ardagh Chalice or the Tara Brooch, often featuring filigree (delicate gold wire work).
La Tène: A Celtic style of decoration characterized by swirls and spirals found on artifacts.
Early Writing: Ogham stones feature the earliest form of writing in Ireland, consisting of notches carved on the edges of stones.
Missionaries: Irish monks traveled to Europe to spread Christianity.
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/693647906/chapter-04-early-christian-ireland-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt
Video Guide (Arrival of Christianity): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgB5Oh4civ8&list=PLTX-YBX0IB40S0h00_t9BK8KM1dGAv0QI&index=2
Video Guide (Monasteries): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anU10LBS-pg&list=PLTX-YBX0IB40S0h00_t9BK8KM1dGAv0QI
Video Guide (Art and Writing): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dka8D-XKWrY&list=PLTX-YBX0IB40S0h00_t9BK8KM1dGAv0QI&index=3
Exploring Life and Death in Medieval Times
The Feudal System
Social Hierarchy: Organized through the Feudal System:
King: The owner of all land.
Vassal: A noble who received land (a fief) from the king in exchange for loyalty and military service.
Knight: A professional soldier who followed the code of Chivalry.
Peasants: Divided into two main groups: free peasants and serfs (who were tied to the land/manor).
Economy: Based on the Manor. Peasants paid a tithe, which was 10% of their produce/income given to the church.
Life in the Castle and Town
Castles: Built for defense. Features include moats, drawbridges, and keeps.
Town Life:
Guilds: Organizations of craftsmen and merchants that regulated trades.
Training: To become a master craftsman, one began as an apprentice, then became a journeyman.
Curfew: A regulation requiring people to be off the streets and put out fires at a certain time of night.
Punishment: Included the use of pillory and stocks for public shaming.
Religion: Monks and nuns took three primary vows: poverty, chastity, and obedience. Friars were members of religious orders who lived among the people rather than in secluded monasteries.
Significant Historical Documents and Events
1066 Invasion: The story of the Norman invasion of England is told in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Domesday Book: A comprehensive census and record of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror.
The Black Death: A devastating plague that swept through Europe. It was caused by bacteria on fleas carried by rats and killed a massive portion of the population. Some groups were unfairly blamed for the plague during the hysteria.
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/696464429/chapter-05-exploring-life-death-and-achievements-in-medieval-times-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt
Video Guide (Feudalism): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PejJGGJKZiw&list=PLTX-YBXOIB43Eg3CWt1r-x9nBN6EeHFd5
Video Guide (Life in Towns): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B1kU-4vF90&list=PLTX-YBX0IB43Eg3CWt1r-x9nBN6EeHFd5&index=4
The Renaissance
Definition and Origins
What was the Renaissance?: A period of "rebirth" in art, literature, and science, marking the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity. It began in Italy due to its wealth from trade and the presence of ruins from classical Rome.
Humanism: A philosophical movement that focused on human potential and achievements rather than just religious matters.
Changes in the Arts and Literature
Art Techniques:
Perspective: Creating a sense of depth on a flat surface.
Sfumato: A technique used by Leonardo da Vinci to blur outlines and merge colors, creating a smoky effect.
Fresco: Painting on wet plaster.
Tempera: Painting using egg yolk as a binder.
Key Artists and Scientists:
Leonardo da Vinci: Apprenticed to Verrocchio; painted The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Studied anatomy to improve his art.
Michelangelo: Studied in the Medici sculpture school; created the David and the Pieta; designed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
William Shakespeare: Famous writer of plays like Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, writing in the vernacular (the everyday language of the people).
The Printing Press: Invented by Johann Gutenberg. The first major book printed was the Gutenberg Bible. Results included increased literacy and the spread of new ideas.
Developments in Science
Astronomy:
Galileo Galilei: Significant for using the telescope to prove the heliocentric theory and for his work on the laws of motion.
Johann Kepler: Discovered that planets move in elliptical orbits.
Medicine:
William Harvey: Discovered the circulation of blood.
Vesalius: Published a detailed book on human anatomy (De Humani Corporis Fabrica).
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/699399063/chapter-06-how-is-the-renaissance-historically-significant-changes-in-the-arts-and-science-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt
Video Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSbGn2BjkqA&list=PLTX-YBX0IB437RrIXNivTSJ9lqXG8NLTw&index=6
Conquest and Colonisation
The Age of Exploration
Motivations: People went exploring for "Gold, God, and Glory," seeking new trade routes to Asia and raw materials.
Navigation Improvements: The use of the Caravel (a sturdier ship with lateen sails), the astrolabe (to measure latitude), portolan charts (detailed maps), and the log and line (to measure speed).
Key Explorers and Discoveries
Portugal:
Bartholomew Diaz: The first European to round the Cape of Good Hope.
Vasco da Gama: Discovered a sea route to India.
Pedro Cabral: Discovered Brazil.
Spain:
Christopher Columbus: Sponsored by Ferdinand and Isabella; sailed with three ships (Nina, Pinta, Santa Maria). He thought he had landed in Asia but had reached the "New World."
Impact of Conquest
Conquistadors: Spanish conquerors like Cortes (who destroyed the Aztec civilization) and Pizzaro (who destroyed the Inca civilization).
Treaty of Tordesillas: A treaty brokered by the Pope to divide new lands between Spain and Portugal.
Columbian Exchange and Trade: New foods were brought to Europe (e.g., potatoes, maize). However, colonisation led to genocide and the death of millions of natives due to diseases like smallpox.
The Slave Trade: The trans-Atlantic slave trade began to provide labor for haciendas (plantations).
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/699435120/chapter-07-conquest-and-colonisation-in-the-age-of-exploration-the-portuguese-and-spanish-explorations-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt
Video Guide (Portuguese/Spanish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4u5qkcz6yQ&list=PLTX-YBX0IB42Di1mlRZOXjXhglNMI6WOU&index=1
Video Guide (General Exploration): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgQI1He4HRw&list=PLTX-YBX0IB42Di1mlRZOXiXhglNMI6WOU&index=4
Martin Luther and the Reformation
The State of the Church c. 1500
Context: Around 1500, the main religions in Europe were Catholic and Orthodox. The Catholic Church faced criticism for moral and financial "abuses."
Abuses: These included nepotism (appointing relatives), simony (selling church positions), and the sale of indulgences (paying for the forgiveness of sins).
Martin Luther's Protest
Definition of Reformation: A 16th-century movement for the reform of abuses in the Roman Catholic Church ending in the establishment of the Reformed and Protestant Churches.
The 95 Theses: Luther's list of arguments against the sale of indulgences and other church practices.
Counter-Reformation: The Catholic Church's response, including the formation of groups like the Jesuits.
External Resources
Flashcards: https://quizlet.com/ie/702211294/chapter-08-consider-the-historical-importance-of-religion-martin-luther-and-the-reformation-flash-cards/?i=1zehf&x=1jqt