Question

Identify each historical source as a primary source or a secondary source. A researcher studies a presentation created by a historian in recent times that analyzes ancient Egyptian architecture. A group of history students watches a modern play based on a short story from the early Middle Ages to better understand that time period. A historian tries to interpret an ancient coded language by studying the clay tablet on which it was written. An archaeologist studies an ancient Mesopotamian weapon to understand the advancements that the civilization made in using metal. A historian publishes an article in a respected historical magazine about the reasons behind the downfall of Roman leader Julius Caesar. A researcher studies tax records written in ancient times to better understand the civilization’s tax system.

Answer 1

Answer:Primary sources:

A historian tries to interpret an ancient coded language by studying the clay tablet on which it was written.

An archaeologist studies an ancient Mesopotamian weapon to understand the advancements that the civilization made in using metal.

A researcher studies tax records written in ancient times to better understand the civilization’s tax system.

Secondary sources:

A researcher studies a presentation created by a historian in recent times that analyzes ancient Egyptian architecture.

A group of history students watches a modern play based on a short story from the early Middle Ages to better understand that time period.

A historian publishes an article in a respected historical magazine about the reasons behind the downfall of Roman leader Julius Caesar.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Primary sources provide direct or firsthand information about an event, object, person, etc. In contrast, secondary sources describe, summarize, evaluate, comment on, interpret, and/or analyze primary source materials. Taking this into consideration, the historical sources provided above should be classified as follows:

Primary sources:

• A historian tries to interpret an ancient coded language by studying the clay tablet on which it was written.
• An archaeologist studies an ancient Mesopotamian weapon to understand the advancements that the civilization made in using metal.
• A researcher studies tax records written in ancient times to better understand the civilization’s tax system.

Secondary sources:

• A researcher studies a presentation created by a historian in recent times that analyzes ancient Egyptian architecture.
• A group of history students watches a modern play based on a short story from the early Middle Ages to better understand that time period.
• A historian publishes an article in a respected historical magazine about the reasons behind the downfall of Roman leader Julius Caesar.