Tools for Historians

People who’s study focuses Historian: people who study and write about the human past Archaeologist: people who hunt for evidence buried in the ground. Ex. Artifacts/fossils Anthropologist: People who’s study focuses on human society. Ex. Where they lived, how they developed, etc.

Measuring time Historians rely on calendars, or dating systems, to measure time. Julian Calendar 365.25 days The founding of Rome was the basis of the calendar established by Julius Caesar, which was used in early Western Civilization for over a thousand years. Gregorian Calendar 365 days, a leap year every 4 years The birth of Christ was the basis of the Gregorian calendar used in the United States since its beginning and in most countries of the world today.

Dating Events The dates in the book are based on the Gregorian (Western) calendar and use the terms A.D., B.C., B.C.E., & C.E Does anyone know what these letters stand for?

Dating events continued A.D. : Anno Domini (means in the year of the Lord) C.E. : common era B.C. : before Christ B.C.E: before common era

Chronology When studying the past historians use A.D., B.C., B.C.E., & C.E. to show the order in which events happened Birth of Christ 1000 500 250 50 30 20 1 1 15 40 75 100 450 850 a.d. or c.e. b.c. or b.c.e

Timeline Competition We are going to divide into 4 different groups and have a timeline competition Instructions Give each person in the group at least 5 dates As a group you are to organize your dates appropriately along a piece of string When you think your group as done it correctly have a seat and I will come check The first group to put their dates in the correct chronological order will win a prize