Disciplinary Knowledge - Significance
History: KS3, topic 4.2.2
Significance
Historians study important people, institutions, or events from the past that caused change, were important at the time, or are remembered today. What is considered significant can vary between people and across time.
Understanding significance
- Historians choose to study certain people, institutions, or events from the past because these subjects made a difference in history.
- These people or events may have led to important changes, or they may have been important to the people who lived at that time.
Historical evidence
- When historians study the past, they look for historical evidence.
- Historical evidence can be objects, writings, or records from the time period.
- By studying this evidence, historians can learn more about what life was like and why certain people or events were significant.
- Finding ancient writings can teach historians about the beliefs, customs, and important events of a past civilisation.
Different perspectives
- What historians consider to be significant can be different depending on who is looking at the history and where that person is from.
- Views on significance can also change.
- A person who was once celebrated as a hero may be seen differently in the future as new evidence is discovered or as people’s values change.
The significance of Mansa Musa
- Mansa Musa, who ruled the Mali Empire in the 14th century, is often considered one of the most significant figures in African history.
- Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca showed the world the wealth and power of the Mali Empire.
- During this journey, Mansa Musa shared gold and riches with many people.
- This showed the greatness of the Mali Empire and made other nations more aware of it.
Changing views
- The significance of Mansa Musa and the Mali Empire might be seen differently depending on where historians are from or what time period the historians are living in.
- For many Africans, Mansa Musa represents the great achievements of African civilisations.
- For others, Mansa Musa is important because Mansa Musa showed the rest of the world that Africa was a place of wealth and culture.
Test yourself on Disciplinary Knowledge - Significance
Why do historians use historical evidence when studying the past?