The problem of survival lies at the root of many of the historian’s problems, for what has survived may not necessarily be more significant than what has not survived.
Historians use evidence in order to understand what happened and why it happened. In architectural history this evidence may take the form of the buildings themselves or their remains, and documents such as plans, drawings, descriptions, diaries or bills. ( ① )
Our picture of any period of history is derived from a multitude of sources, such as the paintings, literature, deeds, buildings and other artefacts that have survived. ( ② )
The Egyptian pyramids have survived thousands of years, but historical significance is not just a question of durability. ( ③ )
These buildings were part of a rich and diverse culture, much of which has been lost. ( ④ )
They are historical facts, but facts by themselves, even such massive facts as the pyramids, are just the first stage in any historical study, and until they have been evaluated, placed in context and interpreted, they tell us little. ( ⑤ )
Different historians may place different values on the same facts, and the discovery of new evidence may modify or change existing theories and interpretations.
