SOURCES AND IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY

SOURCES AND IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY

Meaning of History.

The term "history" originates from the Greek word historia, which means "to question or inquire." It refers to the process of searching for the truth and reporting the findings.

History is the study of past events and human activities over time. These activities economic, social, and political, helped human beings to obtain their basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.

History is also recognized as an academic discipline that systematically studies the past. It analyzes the sequence of events in order to:

• Understand their influence on the present, and

• Help predict or inform possible outcomes in the future.

In summary, history is the record of human activities, especially those that enabled humans to survive and meet their essential needs through interaction with the environment.

QUALITIES OF HISTORICAL EVENTS.

Historical events have specificic qualities that distinguish them from normal events;

1.Historical significance. Historical event must have an impact on the society or country. Such an impact shapes history of of a given society to the extent that it is remembered and handed down or narrated from one generation to another, For example the Majimaji war in Tanzania, Maumau war in Kenya and the Rwandan Genocide.

2.Diversity. A historical event must cover varieties of fields like political, social and economic. For example the Independence of African countries was a political event but touched both social and economic life of every citizen.

3. Effects. The effects can be either long-term or short-term. Example of effects of the second world war were; death of many people, destruction of infrastructures, increased exploitation in the colonies and failure of economies.

4. Context. Context refers to the background conditions, the social, political, economic, cultural, technological, and environmental factors, surrounding an event in history.

It helps explain why something happened the way it did and how people at the time understood it.

For example on the conext of the rise of social and welfare associations; The peasants and civil servants faced problems like low salaries, low price of cash crops, poor working condtions, despise of African culture and forced cash crop production. But they seemed to be ready to continue to be under colonial rule if their rights were considered.

The context of their rise was more of cultural and economic than political.

5.Interpretation or perspective. A historical event raises different opinions, views and debates from historians. For example the Majimaji was perceived by the Germans as act of rebellion while Africans saw it as a war of liberation.

6. Educative. A historical event should be a topic of study by providing lessons to people from one generation to another.

For example the African resistance to colonial rule left us with lessons like the importance of unity, avoidance of superstitious beliefs, pariotism, assertiveness and courage.

7. Evidence. Historical events are studied through evidence such as documents, artifacts, photos, and oral accounts. Evidence helps to reconstruct and analyze the past.

8. Time and Chronology. Historical events occur in a specific order and time period.

For example; 

• Coming of the agents of colonialism to Africa - 15th Century.
• Colonization of African continent - 19th century.
• African  Independence - 20th century.

TIME IN HISTORY.

Historians usually divide time into several categories, as follows:

Day – A duration of 24 hours.

Week – A duration of 7 days.

Month – A duration of approximately 4 weeks.

Year – A duration of 12 months.

Decade – A duration of 10 years.

Century – A duration of 100 years.

Millennium – A duration of 1,000 years.

Generation – Is the average age difference between parents and their children, typically about 30 years.

Age – A period in history based on human economic activities and the tools used, e.g., Stone Age, Iron Age, Industrial Age, Science and Technology Age.

Period – A span of time defined by a specific event or activity that lasted for several years.

Examples:

• Period of the Slave Trade in East Africa.

• Period of Long Distance Trade.

• Period of Colonial Rule in Africa.

HOW TO DIVIDE TIME IN HISTORY.

Throughout history, different societies have used various calendars to calculate and record time:

• The Sumerians used the lunar calendar, which had 354 days.

• The Ancient Egyptians developed the solar calendar, which had 365 days.

• The Gregorian Calendar (Standard Today):

The most widely used calendar today is based on the birth of Jesus Christ.

The starting point is Year 0.

Years before Christ’s birth are labeled B.C. (Before Christ).

Years after Christ’s birth are labeled A.D. (Anno Domini), a Latin phrase meaning "In the year of our Lord."

• The Islamic (Hijri) Calendar:

The Islamic calendar begins from the Hijra (migration) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D.

Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 A.D.

The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, unlike the Gregorian solar calendar.

HOW TO DETERMINE DATES IN HISTORY.

Dates are essential tools in the science of history. Historians use several methods to determine dates, including:

1. Recalling Events.

Important events such as droughts, floods, births, farming seasons, disease outbreaks, or wars are remembered.

This method is mostly used in societies that rely on oral traditions, especially those without written records (illiterate communities).

2. Studying Languages.

Certain names or words help in remembering historical events.

Example: The Swahili word Karafuu (clove) became common after cloves were introduced in Zanzibar.

3. Scientific Methods.

One of the most used methods is Carbon-14 dating (C-14).

It is used to determine the age of remains of animals, plants, or artifacts older than 5,000 years.

4. Order of Events.

This involves organizing events in chronological order using tools such as:

• Time Graphs.

• Time Charts.

• Timelines.

• Family Trees.

IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING HISTORY.

Studying history is crucial for individuals and societies for the following reasons:

1. Understanding Human Origins and Development.

History helps us know where we came from, the challenges we’ve faced, and the progress we have made as human beings.

2. Understanding African Societies

It shows how African societies were formed, how they developed, and the internal and external factors that influenced their growth.

3. Understanding the Present and Predicting the Future.

By studying past events and conditions, we can better understand the present and plan for the future.

4. Appreciation of African Achievements.

It helps us appreciate cultural, political, economic, and technological advancements before and after colonial rule.

5. Development of Critical Skills.

History promotes skills like critical thinking, reasoning, judgment, empathy, and active participation in development.

6. Awareness of Independence Struggles.

It teaches the efforts and strategies used by African people to regain independence and resist neo-colonialism.

7. Promoting Unity and Cooperation.

History helps us understand the importance of African unity, interdependence, and conflict resolution.

8. Patriotism and National Identity.

It builds patriotism by teaching about national heroes, heroines, and traitors.

This makes history a sensitive subject in politically unstable countries.

9. Understanding Economic Practices.

It highlights the impact of major events like the Industrial Revolution (1750 in Europe) on modern development.

10. Understanding Human Development Stages.

History helps explain the different levels of human development over time.

11. Technological Advancements.

It shows the evolution from primitive tools (stone and wood) to modern technology (iron tools, machines, etc.).

12. Environmental Adaptation.

We learn how humans interacted with and adapted to their environment to survive and earn a living.

13. Human-Environment Relationships.

It explores the connections between people and their natural surroundings.

14. Career Opportunities.

People can become professionals like historians, archaeologists, curators, teachers, or researchers.

15. Learning from Disasters.

Past disasters like earthquakes, famines, wars, and droughts offer lessons on prevention, preparation, and response.

SOURCES OF HISTORY.

Definition:
Sources of history refer to the various avenues or methods used to obtain historical information. Studying history often requires an interdisciplinary approach, involving multiple fields such as archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, and more, to ensure historical accuracy.

Main Sources of History.

1. Oral Tradition.

2. Historical Sites.

3. Written Records/Documents.

4. Archives.

5. Museums.

6. Archaeology.

7. Audio-Visual Records (e.g. cassettes, CDs, documentaries, TV programs).

8. Anthropology.

9. Linguistics.

ORAL TRADITION.

Oral tradition involves the passing of historical information through spoken words, talking and listening, from one generation to another.

Forms of Oral Tradition.

1. Cultural Practices:

Art, music, religion, riddles, songs, proverbs, superstitions, poems, and stories.

2. Narration of Past Events:

Sharing accounts of historical experiences, especially by elders and eyewitnesses.


Advantages of Oral Tradition.

1. Preserves Unwritten History:

Helps to retain and pass down historical information that was never recorded.

2. Accessible to All:

Both literate and illiterate people can benefit from it.

3. Carries Moral Lessons:

Often contains teachings, advice, and warnings relevant to life and society.

4. Cost-Effective and Simple:

Does not require expensive equipment or materials.

5. Interactive and Lively:

Involves physical interaction, which can encourage engagement and better understanding.


Disadvantages of Oral Tradition.

1. Memory Dependent:

Requires strong memory and attention from both narrator and listener.

2. Risk of False Information:

Storytellers may exaggerate or distort facts.

3. Elitist Focus:

Often focuses on important figures (kings, chiefs, heroes), neglecting common people’s experiences.

4. Language Barriers:

If told in local/vernacular languages, it may be hard to understand or translate.

5. Hard to Verify:

Difficult to separate fact from fiction or myth.

6. Translation Challenges:

Some ancient languages are extinct, making translation of oral stories nearly impossible.

7. Bias in Storytelling:

Narrators may only present the positive side of their community, ignoring its weaknesses or failures.

8. Time-Consuming and Sometimes Costly:

Collecting oral accounts may require long travel, meals, or accommodation for interviews.

HISTORICAL SITES.

Historical sites are special locations where physical remains of past human life, culture, and activities are preserved and can be observed or studied. These sites often contain evidence such as ancient tools, fossils, rock art, pottery, bones of humans and animals, and ruins of old settlements or buildings.

These sites provide valuable information about human evolution, technological development, and the way of life of past societies.

Characteristics of Historical Sites.

• They preserve evidence of past human existence.

• They show tools and artifacts used in different historical periods.

• They help researchers trace the physical and cultural development of early humans.

• They are often open to the public for education and tourism.

Examples of Historical Sites in East Africa.

In Tanzania:

• Olduvai Gorge – Famous for early human fossils discovered by Dr. Louis Leakey.

• Isimila – Known for Stone Age tools and artifacts.

• Kondoa Irangi – Rock paintings showing early human life.

• Bagamoyo – A key slave trade port and missionary center.

• Zanzibar – Historical island with Arabic, Persian, and Swahili influences.

• Kilwa Kisiwani – Ancient coastal trade city.

• Mafia Island – Important in early trade networks.

• Engaruka – Ruins showing ancient irrigation systems.

• Kagera Region – Contains various archaeological remains.

In Uganda:

• Nsongezi – Archaeological site with Stone Age remains.

• Biggo – Settlement site with ancient tools and weapons.

• Ntubi.

• Rusinga Island.

• Magosi.

• Ishango – Known for early mathematical tools (e.g. the Ishango bone).

In Kenya:

• Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolf) – Rich in early human fossils.
• Lake Naivasha.

• Njoro.

• Olorgesailie – Well-known for hand axes and hominid remains.

• Lake Magadi.

• Lamu – Oldest Swahili town on the East African coast.

• Mombasa – Historic trading port.

• Mount Kenya – Associated with early communities and spiritual beliefs.

ADVANTAGES OF HISTORICAL SITES.

1. Source of Foreign Currency.

Tourists visiting historical sites bring foreign exchange, which contributes to the national economy.

2. Employment Opportunities.

Local people get jobs as tour guides, caretakers, vendors, security personnel, and other tourism-related services.

3. Preserve Cultural Heritage.

Historical sites preserve and symbolize the social and cultural heritage of a community, such as tools, rock paintings, and ruins.

4. Increase in National Income.

Revenue from tourism and site visits boosts the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

5. Improvement of Social Services.

Development of roads, hotels, water supply, and electricity around historical sites helps improve local infrastructure.

6. Resource Centers for Researchers.

Historical sites serve as research grounds for scholars studying history, archaeology, anthropology, and more.

DISADVANTAGES OF HISTORICAL SITES.

1. Interpretation Challenges.

It can be difficult to accurately interpret the meaning or origin of ancient remains found at these sites.

2. Accessibility Issues.

Many historical sites are located in remote or rural areas, making them hard to access by students, tourists, and researchers.

ARCHAEOLOGY.

The word archaeology comes from the Greek word archaios, meaning "ancient" or "early."

Archaeology is the scientific study of past human life through the excavation and analysis of material remains.

Archaeologist;

A person who specializes in the study of archaeology is called an archaeologist.

Archaeological Activities Include:

• Excavation (digging) at historical sites.

• Collecting and classifying remains.

• Using Carbon-14 dating to determine the age of once-living things (plants, animals, or humans).

Notable Archaeologists in East Africa were;

Dr. Louis Leakey and Mary Leakey, who conducted important excavations at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.

Types of Archaeological Evidence.

1. Artefacts.

These are man-made objects used by early humans, like tools, weapons, pottery, beads and clay tablets, Examples; the Stone tools found at Isimila in Iringa, Tanzania.

2. Ecofacts.

These are natural (not man-made) objects found near human settlements.

Examples: seeds, animal bones, horns, shells, sediments.

3. Features.

Non-portable remains or structures created by early humans.

Examples: houses, tombs, storage pits, pyramids, irrigation canals, ancient cities

Importance of Archaeology.

• Helps to understand human evolution and past lifestyles.

• Complements other sources like oral tradition and written records.

• Provides scientific evidence of how people lived, worked, and interacted with their environment.

DATING METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY.

Dating methods help archaeologists determine the age of artefacts, fossils, and remains found in historical sites. Two major scientific methods are commonly used:

1. Radio-Carbon Dating (Carbon-14 Dating).

This method is based on the principle that living plants and animals absorb carbon dioxide (which contains a radioactive isotope called Carbon-14).

When the organism dies, it stops absorbing carbon, and the Carbon-14 begins to decay at a known rate.

By measuring the remaining amount of Carbon-14 in a dead plant or animal, scientists can estimate how long ago it died.

Important Points:

• Used for dating organic materials (plants, wood, bones, etc.).

• Cannot be used to date stones or metals, since they do not contain carbon.

• Accurate for remains up to 50,000 years old.

• Useful in dating charcoal or plant remains trapped in rocks, to estimate the rock's age indirectly.

2. Potassium-Argon Dating.

This method is based on the decay of potassium-40 into argon gas.

It is used to date volcanic rocks and ash where remains are found.

Potassium is released during volcanic activity and gradually changes into argon at a known rate.

Important Points:

• Useful for dating much older objects, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of years.

• Can date objects older than 300,000 years, Especially important in areas with volcanic activity like the Rift Valley in East Africa.

ADVANTAGES OF ARCHAEOLOGY.

1. Reveals Human History.

Helps us understand when and how people lived in the past.

2. Informs About Culture and Daily Life

Artefacts such as pottery, tools, and buildings tell us about past cultural practices.

3. Shows Technological and Economic Activities.

Provides information about tools, farming, herding, and trade practices.

4. Preserves Physical Evidence.

Physical remains give a tangible connection to human history.

5. Explains Religious Beliefs.

Burial sites, altars, and symbols reveal religious and spiritual practices of ancient people.

6. Shows Human Interactions.

Archaeological evidence reveals past relationships, migrations, marriages, conflicts, and trade links.

DISADVANTAGES OF ARCHAEOLOGY.

1. Time-Consuming.

Excavation and analysis processes take a lot of time.

2. Cannot Reveal Language.

Archaeology cannot tell us the spoken languages of past societies.

3. Limited in Explaining Causes.

It cannot always explain the reasons behind historical events like wars, migrations, or famines.

4. Requires Expertise and Technology.

It needs trained experts, scientific tools, and advanced labs for accurate results.

5. Risk of Misinterpretation.

If remains are poorly interpreted, they can lead to false conclusions.

6. Expensive.

Research, excavation, preservation, and dating methods are costly.

ARCHIVES.

Archives are places where collections of public and private documents and old records are preserved for reference and research. These records can include:

• Personal letters

• Missionary and explorer writings

• Trader accounts

• Government documents

• Political party files

• Company policies

• Legal records, etc.

Archives serve as an important source of historical knowledge, preserving records with enduring value that reflect the political, social, economic, and cultural life of a society.

Characteristics of Archives.

• Preserve both public and private documents.

• Some records are restricted and not open to everyone.

• Records are collected from various parts of a country or institution.

• Archives staff keep registers and catalogs for reference.

• Facilities exist for restoring damaged documents.

• They ensure continuity of information (e.g., policies or laws over time).

ADVANTAGES OF ARCHIVES.

1. Help tovIdentify Historical Literacy and Ideas.

Documents reveal how people thought and communicated in the past.

2. Provide Accurate Dates.

Written records often contain specific dates, making it easier to verify events.

3. Wide Coverage of Information.

Archives may contain documents from different regions and sources, offering varied perspectives.

DISADVANTAGES OF ARCHIVES.

1. Risk of Bias or False Information.

Authors of historical documents may present personal or political biases.

2. Not Accessible to the Illiterate.

Only those who can read and write can benefit directly from archives.

3. Lack of Records for Some Communities.

Societies without written traditions may be underrepresented or ignored.

4. Remote Historical Information May Be Missing .

Very ancient or undocumented information may not be available in archives.

5. Non-Renewable and Vulnerable to Damage.

If records are destroyed (by fire, wind, water, or theft), the information is lost permanently.

  

MUSEUMS.

A museum is a place or building where historical objects, documents, and information are preserved, exhibited, and made available to the public. Museums reflect the cultural, political, economic, and technological development of societies, from the past to the present.

Examples of Items Displayed in Museums;

• Ancient coins.

• Traditional clothes.

• Mineral cowries (used as currency).

• Tools and weapons.

• Religious and ceremonial symbols.

• Slavery chains, carvings, pottery, sculptures, etc.

Types of Museums;

Museums can exist at various administrative levels:

• National Museums – e.g. National Museum in Dar es Salaam.

• Regional Museums – e.g. Bujora Cultural Museum in Mwanza.

• District and Village Museums – e.g. Kalenga Museum in Iringa, Butiama Museum (home of Julius Nyerere), Bagamoyo Museum, Hambo Handebezyo Museum – Ukerewe.

ADVANTAGES OF MUSEUMS.

1. Preserve Historical Objects and Documents. Museums safeguard physical remains that reflect a society's past.

2. Display Real (Concrete) Historical Evidence. Visitors see actual objects used in the past, giving them a tangible understanding of history.

3. Attract Tourists and Educational Visits.

Museums are important centers for study tours, tourism, and academic research.

4. Promote Cultural and National Identity.

Museums help people connect with their heritage and traditions.

5. Support Research and Knowledge Sharing.

They serve as information centers for researchers, students, and historians.

DISADVANTAGES OF MUSEUMS.

1. Require Skilled Personnel.

Managing museums needs staff with expert knowledge in history, archaeology, and conservation.

2. Risk of Biased Information.

Museum attendants or curators may present information with personal or cultural bias, misinforming visitors.

3. Poor Preservation Can Lead to Damage.

Items like ancient coins, fabrics, or tools may deteriorate if not stored properly, causing loss of historical value.

4. High Maintenance Needs.

Museums require constant care, funds, and security to preserve their exhibits and maintain appeal.

WRITTEN RECORDS.

Written records are documents that contain historical information in written form. These include: Books, Letters, Maps, Magazines, Novels & Plays, Journals & Diaries, Annual Reports, Documentaries, Newspapers, Meeting Minutes and Conference Reports.

Written records can be accessed in libraries, schools, colleges, universities, offices, internet cafes, and even through personal collections.

Advantages of Written Records.

1.Easy Access to Information.

Reading provides quick and direct access to facts.

2. Simple to Reference.

Readers can refer back to information at any time.

3. Support Research.

Written sources are essential tools for researchers and students.

4. Durability.

If preserved well, written records can last for generations.

Disadvantages of Written Records.

1. Bias by the Author.

If the author is not objective, the record may give false or misleading information.

2. Information Overload.

Some documents are too lengthy or complex to read in full.

3. Distorted Facts.

Poorly written or edited materials may misrepresent history.

4. Not Accessible to Illiterate People.

Only those who can read and write benefit directly.

5. Risk of Damage.

Records are vulnerable to fire, floods, and physical deterioration, leading to permanent data loss.

LINGUISTICS.

Linguistics is the scientific study of language, including its sounds, structure, meaning, and the relationships between different language groups.

Advantages of Linguistics.

1. Helps Retrieve Information.

Enables understanding of historical data from different language sources.

2. Traces Cultural and Ethnic Links.

Reveals relationships between different people or tribes through similarities in languages.

3. Date Estimation.

Helps determine historical periods, e.g. terms like “Aluta Continua” used during Mozambique’s independence struggle.

Limitations of Linguistics.

1. Time-Consuming and Expensive.

Learning a language and conducting analysis requires time and resources.

2. Loss During Translation.

Key words or meanings may be omitted or altered during translation.

3. Language Corruption.

Over time, languages may change or mix, making accurate interpretation difficult.

ANTHROPOLOGY.

Anthropology is the study of society's cultural systems, including beliefs, customs, ideas, and social structures. It helps us understand the movement, settlement, and production activities of people in the past.

Importance of Anthropology.

• Reveals cultural practices and beliefs.

• Explains how societies organized themselves.

• Helps track migration patterns and economic life.

ETHNOGRAPHIC RECORDS.

Ethnographic records are detailed accounts created by anthropologists, sociologists, or researchers, based on first-hand observations of people in their natural environments.

Features.

1. First-hand Observation – Based on fieldwork done by researchers.

2. Participant Observation – Researchers may live with the group being studied.

3. Descriptive – Focused more on depth than on numbers.

4. Qualitative – Includes interviews, diaries, photos, and videos.

5. Contextual – Captures cultural meaning and background of behavior.

Types of Ethnographic Records.

1. Field Notes – Written observations during research.

2. Interview Transcripts – Conversations about beliefs, practices, and stories.

3. Audio/Video Recordings – Live documentation of events and daily life.

4. Photographs and Sketches – Visuals of people, objects, and settings.

5. Reflective Journals – Researcher's personal reactions and insights.

Functions of Ethnographic Records.

• Preserve cultural knowledge.

• Analyze social structures.

• Study customs and rituals.

• Inform educational or policy decisions.

• Compare different cultures across time and space.

Reflection questions:

Draw a sketch map of East Africa showing the famous historical sites. Explain the importance of historical sites. 

https://historyforumtz.blogspot.com/2017/10/important-historical-sites-in-east.html