What is historiography?

Historiography is simply the study of history itself. It's about looking at how historians have developed their ideas over time and what tools they have had at their disposal to best form an argument. Unlike history, historiography is based less on empirical fact on more on how a historian may write, what context they were working in and how the subject was viewed. Herodotus, the so called father of history wrote lengthy articles often merging mythical beasts with historically attested fact. Modern historians, such as Ian Kershaw, perhaps the most prolific scholar of Nazi Germany, choose to instead critically analyse data to present the most likely form of truth. As you can see, history adapts with society.

OR
Answered by Oscar R. History tutor

6669 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What was hyperinflation and why is it important to understand when learning about the Weimar Republic crisis of 1923?


D-day or the invasion of Normandy is one of the turning points of World War II. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Why?


Describe how Hitler reduced unemployment in Germany.


What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning