Exam
Introduction
One of the greatest intrigues of the 21st Century is the fact that it is also considered as the information age. People from all corners of the globe are now coming to appreciate their ancient history regardless of whether it is favorable or otherwise. For instance, Christopher Columbus was previously well appreciated as a cultural icon who introduced the America’s to the western world (Carter and Warren 31). However, it has recently come to light that his innate objectives that fueled the determination to discover new lands was primarily imperialist. As such, the manner with which historians study history is unique and specific. This paper seeks to describe the manner with which historians look into history and then identify Zheng He, Hernán Cortés, Tenochtitlan, Giovanni Verrazano and Vijayanagara, in an effort to their importance to modern history.
The manner with which historians examine the past while ensuring that the objective of relating events in a historical context is what appertains to historical methodology. Therefore, historical methodology compels historians to first have a complete understanding of the exact historical settings that are relative to a specific individual event. In an effort to accurately use the methodology to decipher and relate historical events to modern day situations, it is important for the historian to carefully peruse through the introduction context of a book in discussion. Secondly, careful reading of the content within historical documentation and consequently relating such readings to a current event is necessary towards a proper study and relation of historical events to a modern event.
Admiral Zheng He
In most cases, some significant individuals who have contributed much to the development of a society or culture are pushed to the sidelines by other dominant societies or cultures (Carter and Warren 14).This are especially true for one of the greatest Chinese sailors of all time. The admiral Zheng He is documented as an individual who mustered the ability to organize and implement extraordinary naval voyages. For instance, documented history provides that the individual was in charge of a fleet that exceeded 300 ships manned by a crew of more than 27,000 individuals (Carter and Warren 22). This is in essence a herculean undertaking even in present times. However, the fact that China has long been pushed to the sidelines by the global dominance of western societies only meant that the exploits of Zheng were only known to a select few. Christopher Columbus and Zheng existed in the same era (Carter and Warren 14). As such, the attempt to internationally appreciate Ancient China past global dominance has compelled Chinese historians to look to an iconic figure from its past to highlight that the country’s current status is not by chance but a well-known cultural aspect.
Tenochtitlan
Tenochtitlan was an ancient Aztec major city whose meteoric rise as a significant economic power has given the Mexican people a notion geared towards seeking to trace their economic power to an ancient history (Carter and Warren 39). Given that the country is now a dominant player in vast South American affairs has allowed for more focus to be put on appreciating some of the movers in the nation’s past. As with other human cultures, the region became the central administrative headquarters of the Aztec people. As with other cultures of the times, they collapsed as a result too much emphasis on religion. The over-emphasis on religion also led to the destruction of documented history which was perceived as not supporting that of the Aztec people (Carter and Warren 39). There was much blood bath in South America at the time of the Aztec Empire. Such a historic event relates closely to the fact that in these modern times, the Mexican people regularly have to contend with groups of people disappearing only to be found later on buried in mass graves. The drug cartels and gangs in South America seem to idolize their leaders in the manner the Aztec worshiped their leaders in Tenochtitlan. The worship rituals included captured warriors from other tribes being used as sacrificial lambs (Carter and Warren 45).
Hernán Cortés
He was a significant figure in 15th Century South America during the early development of the Spanish colonies in the region. After the Spanish empire had conquered the coastal regions, they sought to impress their dominance on the societies that lived in the interior regions. Given that it took very long durations to relay communiques from Spain to South American colonies meant that it was easy for rebel factions to form and fight administrator loyal to the Spanish monarchs. Hernan was one of the individuals who sought to venture into the interior regions of South America and as such, gained much wealth from his exploits. He was able to take on the Aztec empire as well as other civilizations in the regions. Entry into the interior of South America was an arduous task too (Carter and Warren 50). This meant that Cortes had the time to effect his own administrative principles as communications channels were weak. Relating these events to the development of technology and transportation modes evident today, one comes to appreciate the resilience that characterized the dominance of Spanish colonialists in South America.
On a different note, Hernan Cortes given the authority to oversee regions of South America under the authority of the Spanish monarchs was not too keen on religion once administrative systems had been implemented (Carter and Warren 49). As such, religion was seen as a means to an end towards trade and cultural dominance over weaker societies.
Giovanni Verrazano
He was a sailor of Italian origin who played an important role in putting Italy on the map as European powers sought to each grasp a portion of the new found lands in the Americas. He put Italy’s name of the map in the late 15th and early 16th Centuries by claiming Florida as an Italian colony (Carter and Warren 58). These events relate positively to attempts by all dominant countries in the world to have a piece of global markets. Given that land cannot be attained as easily as in the 15th Century, the only thing left for large economies to compete with each other in the international markets.
Vijayanagara
As such, the historic voyages were not essentially pursued towards exploration but for international trade. More so, religion played a pivotal role in determining how history was documented. For instance, the Hindu dynasty referred to as the Vijayanagara was trained by Muslim mercenaries as thus was able to avoid Islam from reaching far regions of Asia (Carter and Warren 33). It is interesting to note that the Indian empire was keen to use the military techniques of its rivals to ensure it remained strong to fight off other subsequent inquisitors. Fighting off the Muslims from accessing other areas of India ensured the empire’s over 300 year rule. Through skillful negotiations and a strong military it was able to reap the most benefits from the trading association of the 15th Century.
How Do Historians study History.
In order to understand the past, which is essentially studying the past, historians employ a number of approaches. The main goal of studying history is that through it, we are able to understand the present. Historians from varied backgrounds draw conclusions by examining evidence in order to answer historical questions. Historians ask themselves a myriad of questions in order to assist them in their quest to understand the past. The study of history is multifaceted; it involves studying a society’s politics, economics, religion as well as culture. Historians seek explanations to varied occurrences and phenomena within a society; they seek to understand patterns and cause-effect relations .
Historians use a number of tools and methods in helping them study the past. One of such is the use of primary sources. A primary source is a document or something that was created by an individual who witnessed the event. These primary sources include eyewitness articles, speeches, letters, journals, relics and videos.
Another method employed by historians in their quest to understand and explain the past is the use of secondary sources. These are materials that bear historical accounts of varied phenomena that are created by an individual who was not present at the occurrence of the event. These materials include media reports that are based on created using primary sources, paintings and books. These materials are created after the historical event and are imperative since they can give a more balanced account of the event .
Historians also make use of oral history. This is necessitated by the fact that some cultures do not have written records. Oral history simply refers to the verbal accounts of various unwritten events in a given society. Varied communities have historically preserved their history through oral means that were passed across generations over time. Oral history is preserved through songs, traditions, stories as well as customs. Historians use oral history to understand a society’s past. For instance, the culture of the Australian indigenous people used oral literature and culture to preserve their history. Since there existed no written form of historical happenings in their culture, it was preserved by use of ceremonies, stories, laws as well as paintings .
In studying history, historians must take steps to determine the validity of the evidence they gather in trying to answer varied historical questions. Historians must ask themselves if what they have gathered is fact or simply fiction. This is done by sorting through the evidence gathered, choosing the most important one, and determining the most trustworthy evidence. Some data and information may turn out to be false, such as the “mummy’s curse” that was for a long time thought to kill archaeologists that entered “King Tut’s” tomb. On examination of records, it was determined that the archaeologists lived an average of 70 years .
Drawing conclusions from historical accounts and information is equally critical. For instance the 3000 B.C. Stonehenge building has drawn varied conclusions from numerous historians. Initially, it was claimed that the temple was built to be utilized by priests. It was later determined that these temples were finished long before there existed priests in the area. Today, no single conclusion is universally accepted by historians as some believe that the builders were worshippers of the sun while others think it is impossible to determine the real purpose .
Works Cited
Carter, James, and Warren Richard. Forging the Modern world: A History. New York: Oxford University Press, 2016. Print.
Littell, McDougal. World History: Ancient Civilizations. McDougal Littell, 2006. Print.
Oxford University. Oxford Insight History. Oxford: Oxford University Press, n.d. Print.
