In honor of Independence Day

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Cleopatra

Coin depicting a likeness of Cleopatra.

One of the most enduring and least understood figures in Western history, Cleopatra VII is most remembered for her tumultuous personal life- mainly her affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. But she is so much more than that. Cleopatra's death meant the end of the Hellenistic era and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Shangguan Wan'er

One of the most fascinating figures in Chinese history, Shangguan Wan'er (664-710) was a noted literary figure and politician of the Tang Dynasty, associated with powerful women such as Wu Zetian.

Tiananmen Square Massacre

June 4, 1989. Thousands of protesters are gathered on Tiananmen Square, demanding political reform.

primary sources and research

I was researching today for my history class and my friend asked me what a primary source is. Specifically, her question was “Why can’t any book be a primary source?” So I told her. Firstly, a primary source is defined as “an original fundamental and authoritative document pertaining to an event or subject of inquiry” (Dictionary.com). In other words, it is a reputable source of information that (usually) is from same time period as the subject being researched. A primary source traditionally includes newspaper articles, pictures/photos, memoirs, autobiographies, and now, videos. Anything that is contemporary as well as factually correct counts.

The value in primary sources lies in its ability to provide insight into the topic. A primary source does not filters the information presented. It does not press present-day prejudices and assumptions into that information. By analyzing a primary source, one can also discover the context of whatever their researching taken place in. They will not only glean information they’ve been seeking, but also knowledge of the attitudes toward that topic. As a result, the researcher is unimpeded in his work and can form his or her own conclusion. This is highly critical as otherwise the research will denigrate into nothing more than propaganda.

An example that comes to mind when talking about primary sources is the character assassination of Cleopatra. As we all know, Cleopatra was the queen of Egypt who had affairs with both Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. She suicided after the Battle of Actium and Octavian became the Emperor of Rome, etc. But much of the details we receive about her-the story of how she dissolved pearls in vinegar and drank it-are dubious, if not completely false. Since no primary source about Cleopatra exists, we must rely on her enemy, the Romans. No wonder we can’t get an unbiased story of her life.