While more than two kinds of sources in historical research exist, my assumption is that the two you’re inquiring about are primary and secondary sources, as these are the most widely used documents in this discipline. Simply put, a primary source is a record of a person, place, or event that was created by said subject, such as a speech, letter, diary, treaty, recording, film, and the like. A secondary source, on the other hand, is a document that comments upon, discusses, analyzes, or otherwise touches upon information found in a primary source, meaning a book, newspaper article, book review, scholarly journal article, dissertation, essay, or anything that reflects upon a primary source can constitute a secondary source.

Sources of History

Primary Sources
Primary sources are original sources of information that provide first-hand accounts of events or time periods. They include:
- Archaeological sources: These include artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, etc. that provide physical evidence of past civilizations.
- Written sources: These include documents, manuscripts, letters, diaries, etc. which were created during the time period being studied.
- Oral traditions: These are stories, songs, folklore, etc. that have been passed down through generations orally.

Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are interpretations or analyses of primary sources by historians. They include:
- History books: These are books written by historians who have analyzed primary sources and provided their interpretations of historical events.
- Research articles: These are scholarly articles written by experts in the field of history, based on their research and analysis of primary sources.
- Encyclopedias: These sources provide general information on historical events, people, and places, based on the work of historians.
By studying both primary and secondary sources, historians are able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past and construct narratives that help us make sense of history. These sources provide valuable insights into the lives, cultures, and societies of the past, helping us connect with our shared human heritage.

What are the two sources of history