Analysing written sources

Question 1

What are the 8 questions we must answer when analysing written sources?

Answer 1

1. who wrote it and when?
2. Type of literature and source
3. purpose/intention?
4. audience?
5. distorted/bias?
6. is it complete? (fragment/snapshot)
7. propaganda?
8. what evidence can this source provide for period in q?

Question 2

What are literacy sources?

Answer 2

writing of people in the ancient world eg. historians, records, law codes

Question 3

What are epigraphic sources?

Answer 3

inscribed on clay, metal, stone and papyrus eg rosetta stones

Question 4

What are numismatic sources?

Answer 4

coins with certain images of key ppl, religious symbols, special events, legends and even date.

Question 5

What are exmaples of type of literature?

Answer 5

diary, textbook, website