Figure 1.-- The first artifacts that we might call history come from Egypt (4th millenium BC). It is known as the Narmer Palette (also called the Great Hierakonpolis Palette or the Palette of Narmer). Archeologists date it at the 32nd-31st century BC. It has some of the earliest hieroglyphic inscriptions yet found. Of course we have no idea who created the Narmer Palette. It must have been commissioned by the Pharoah Narmer himself or perhaps a descendent. Presumably court advisors would have designed it. Narmer was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the Early Dynastic Period (about 32nd century BC). There is not only historical information here, but also useful information about clothing. Click on the image for a fuller discussion.

Efforts to write history came only after the development of civilization which meant the three great river valley civilizations. Modern writers can write about erarlier periods, but contemprary efforts at history only begin with the great river valley civilizations. And this meant millenia these civilizations began to develop. For history to be written, writing systems of course had to be developed. The first artifacts that we might call history come from Egypt (4th millenium BC). It is known as the Narmer Palette (also called the Great Hierakonpolis Palette or the Palette of Narmer). Archeologists date it at the 32nd-31st century BC. It has some of the earliest hieroglyphic inscriptions yet found. Of course we have no idea who created the Narmer Palette. It must have been commissioned by the Pharoah Narmer. Narmer was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the Early Dynastic Period (about 32nd century BC). The Greek writer Herodotus is often referred to as the "father of history". The title comes more from the fact that he was the first actual historian rather than his historical method. Modern historians would find his work unacceptable. There are major inaccuracies in his work. He is also known as the "father of lies". Herodotus is known for his Histories, a highly partisan celebration of the Greek victories over the Persians. He wrote them in the mid-5th century B.C. Herodotus appeared to have tossed vin what ever crossed his mind at the time. His description of the Persian Empire is a fascinating description reading more like a travelog than a historical work. Herodotus also delved into mythological prehistory when explaining the background of the conflict. Despite Herodotus' many weakenes as a historian, his work was a substantial improvement over previous compilers of what might be called quasi-history--the logographers.

Created: 8:36 PM 7/14/2011
Last updated: 8:36 PM 7/14/2011