LESSON 1

An Introduction
to
World History
History – it is taken from the Greek
word “historia”, which means
“learning” by investigation or
inquiry.

History – is a branch of knowledge

which deals with the study of the
past human experience on earth. It
is the record of triumph and tragedy,
of people’s weaknesses and strengths
in the quest for a better or new life.
History traces the progress and
development of man’s civilization
from the ancient to the modern,
largely based on written records.

Prehistory – is the examination of

past events before the invention of
writing.
The Greeks were the first to view
history with an inquiring mind.
Herodotus – introduced a colorful
and descriptive way of writing
events; included legends and
made up stories in his account

Thucydides - set the model for

writing history; he meticulously
analyzed and verified the facts.
The work of the historian:
A historian must not only possess
an adequate academic
background, but also an inquiring
mind and a firm commitment on
truth.

A cryptographer can help a

historian understand the
meaning of ancient writing.
An archeologist can give clues
on the remains of ancient
civilizations.

An anthropologist can give a

background of the cultural
history of ancient peoples.
A paleontologist can provide
data regarding fossils of
plants and animals that
primitive man encountered.

A geologist can analyze these

fossils, and give an estimate
on the condition of the earth
during specific era.
Two classifications of historical sources:
Primary sources – come from the time the
event occurred e.g. shipwrecks, artworks,
artifacts, coin, etc.
They could also be written records such as
speeches, diaries, letters written by the
participants themselves.

Secondary sources – records that were made

after the event happened by the people who
were not present during the event or who
merely complied stories of it.
Why Study History?
1. History gives us a knowledge of the
past that helps us understand the
present.
2. A knowledge of history allows us to
understand the present and
prepare for the future.
3. History provides us with valuable
lessons of the past which will guide
us in our actions today.
4. History promotes tolerance of
other peoples and their culture.
5. History is interesting and fun.
6. A knowledge of history can
make us proud of our own
culture and heritage.
“History is the witness
of times, the light of
the truth, the life of a
memory, the teacher of
life and the messenger
of antiquity.”
-Cicero-
“He who does not learn
from the lessons of
history is condemned to
repeat the same.”
-George Santayana-
ACTIVITY
NO. 1
Direction:
Identify the work of some
people who help a historian
to come up with truthful
and verifiable data. Write
the letter of your answer on
the blank provided.
________1. He analyzes fossils and gives an
estimate on the condition of the earth during
specific era.
________2. He gives clues on the remains of ancient
civilizations.
________3. He provides data regarding fossils of
plants and animals that primitive man
encountered.
________4. He helps a historian understand the
meaning of ancient writing.
________5. He gives a background of the cultural
history of ancient peoples.