"History is the systematic study and documentation of the human past."
The study of past events and societies, usually through written records.
"The period of events before the invention of writing systems is considered prehistory."
"Historians seek knowledge of the past using historical sources such as written documents, oral accounts, art and material artifacts, and ecological markers."
"Historians debate which narrative best explains an event, as well as the significance of different causes and effects."
"History differs from myth in that it is supported by verifiable evidence."
"Herodotus, a 5th-century BC Greek historian, is often considered the 'father of history.'"
"Along with his contemporary Thucydides, he (Herodotus) helped form the foundations for the modern study of past events and societies."
"Though he (Herodotus) has been criticized as the 'father of lies.'"
"In East Asia, a state chronicle, the Spring and Autumn Annals, was reputed to date from as early as 722 BC."
"Historians seek knowledge of the past using historical sources such as written documents, oral accounts, art and material artifacts, and ecological markers."
"The ancient cultural influences have helped create variant interpretations of the nature of history, which have evolved over the centuries and continue to change today."
"History is incomplete and still has debatable mysteries."
"History is taught as a part of primary and secondary education."
"Its usefulness in giving perspective on the problems of the present."
"Historians debate the nature of history as an end in itself, and its usefulness in giving perspective on the problems of the present."
"Stories common to a particular culture, but not supported by external sources, are usually classified as cultural heritage or legends."
"The modern study of history is wide-ranging, and includes the study of specific regions and certain topical or thematic elements of historical investigation."
"History is an umbrella term comprising past events as well as the memory, discovery, collection, organization, presentation, and interpretation of these events."
"The nature of history as an end in itself, and its usefulness in giving perspective on the problems of the present."
"Reputed to date from as early as 722 BC, though only 2nd-century BC texts have survived."