1. Archaeological Evidence: This includes physical objects like tools, pottery, bones, buildings, and even environmental clues like pollen or soil samples. Archaeologists analyze these items to understand how people lived, what they made, and how they interacted with their environment.
2. Historical Documents: These can be anything from written records (letters, diaries, official documents) to images (paintings, photographs, maps). These provide direct accounts of events, beliefs, and social structures from the past.
3. Oral Histories: These are stories, songs, and traditions passed down through generations, often in spoken form. While not always completely accurate, they provide valuable insights into cultural beliefs, values, and historical experiences.