históriu

História is the study of past events and the record of how those events unfolded in human societies. The term derives from Greek historia, meaning inquiry or knowledge gained by investigation, and has been developed through Latin and modern languages to describe the narration of what has happened over time.

The scope of history includes political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual developments, as well as the interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. Historians rely on a range of sources—written documents, inscriptions, archaeological artefacts, and, increasingly, oral histories and digital records—and use methods of dating and critical analysis to establish timelines and assess reliability. Interpretation plays a central role, as historians seek to understand causes, changes, continuities, and the significance of events within their broader contexts.

Branches of history cover diverse domains, such as political history, social history, economic history, cultural history, military history, and the history of science and technology. Specialized fields, like environmental history or gender history, explore how particular factors shape historical change. Historiography, the study of how history is written, examines sources, biases, methods, and the evolution of historical thought over time.

History is used to explain contemporary conditions, inform policy, and contribute to collective identity by reflecting on shared pasts. Challenges include gaps in records, interpretive disagreements, and competing narratives that arise from different perspectives and sources. Modern historical practice often embraces interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating insights from anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and the social sciences to build a fuller picture of the past.