History, derived from the Greek word ἱστορία (historia), denoting "inquiry" or "knowledge acquired by investigation," encompasses the exploration, gathering, organization, and presentation of information related to past events. It can also refer to the era following the invention of writing. Scholars specializing in historical analysis are referred to as historians. This field of research utilizes narrative methods to scrutinize and analyze the sequence of events, often aiming to objectively investigate the cause-and-effect patterns influencing historical occurrences.
Debates among historians revolve around the nature and utility of history, discussing its study as an intrinsic pursuit and its role in offering "perspective" on contemporary challenges. Narratives embedded within specific cultures, lacking external validation (e.g., King Arthur legends), are typically categorized as cultural heritage rather than the disciplined, "disinterested investigation" demanded by history. Events predating written records are considered part of prehistory.
Herodotus, the fifth-century BC Greek historian, is commonly regarded as the "father of history," alongside his contemporary Thucydides, laying the groundwork for modern historical study. Their influence, coupled with diverse historical traditions globally, has engendered varied interpretations of the nature of history, evolving over centuries and still undergoing changes. The contemporary study of history spans diverse fields, focusing on specific regions or thematic elements, and is integral to primary, secondary, and university education.
