Händelskällor

Händelskällor, often translated as "event sources" or "transaction sources," refers to the fundamental origins of information used to reconstruct historical events. In a broad sense, these are the primary materials that historians and researchers consult to understand what happened in the past. They can encompass a wide array of tangible and intangible evidence.

The most common types of händelskällor include written documents such as letters, diaries, government records, legal proceedings, and contemporary news reports. These offer direct accounts or official perspectives on events. Archaeological finds, such as artifacts, buildings, and skeletal remains, also serve as crucial händelskällor, providing physical evidence of past human activity and societal structures.

Oral histories, passed down through generations via spoken word, are another important category, though they require careful critical analysis due to potential for alteration over time. Visual sources like paintings, photographs, and films can offer unique insights into the appearance and atmosphere of past events. Even the landscape itself, through its geological formations or modified features, can act as a händelskälla, bearing witness to past environmental changes or human interventions. The rigorous evaluation and interpretation of these diverse händelskällor are central to the practice of historical research.