Historian’s Tools Historians use a variety of tools to help them study and understand the past.

Key Terms Timeline A line marked off with a series of events and their dates Period A length of time singled out because of a specific event or development that happened during that time Prehistory The time before humans invented writing Calendar A system of organizing and dividing a year (by month and week)

Key Terms cont. Primary Source Information that comes directly from a person who experienced an event Secondary Source Information about an event that does not come directly from a person who experienced that event

Key Terms Map A flat picture or chart that shows rivers, mountains, etc., in a particular area Globe An object, shaped like a ball, with a map of the world on it.

Key Terms Artifact A weapon, tool, or other item made by humans Culture The beliefs, customs, practices, and behaviors of a particular nation or group or people