Significant changes occurred in the economic and political aspects of societies between approximately 600 BCE and 600 CE. These transformations had notable effects on various social groups. For example, the expansion of agriculture into forested regions brought about a profound shift in the lives of forest dwellers, while the rise of craft specialists led to the emergence of distinct social classes. Moreover, the unequal distribution of wealth exacerbated social disparities.

Historians rely on textual traditions to gain insights into these societal processes. Texts serve as valuable sources that provide information on norms of social behaviour, describe various social situations, and sometimes offer commentary on these practices. Additionally, inscriptions also offer glimpses of certain social actors from that era. However, it's crucial to recognize that each text and inscription was authored from the perspective of specific social categories. Therefore, it is essential to consider the identity of the authors and their intended audience.

Language and the circulation of texts also play a significant role in our understanding of social histories. By meticulously analyzing these texts, we can piece together attitudes and practices that shaped societies during this period. It is vital to approach these sources with care and a critical mindset to glean meaningful insights into the dynamics of the past.

How can historians use texts to reconstruct social histories?

By piecing together attitudes and practices from the past

Language and the circulation of texts also play a significant role in our understanding of social histories. By meticulously analyzing these texts, we can piece together attitudes and practices that shaped societies during this period. It is vital to approach these sources with care and a critical mindset to glean meaningful insights into the dynamics of the past.