The famous Roman orator/statesman Cicero remarked that "History is the witness of the times, the torch of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life."  In spite of these noble words, historians have often labored under the burden of justifying the study of events which occurred in the past.  Humans are practical, more concerned with the present and future than with the past. Yet, surely the study of history provides us with unique opportunities for self-knowledge.

History teaches us what we have done, and in doing so, it helps us to define who we are.  It enables us to connect our personal experiences with the collective memory of the groups to which we belong, and to see ourselves as a part of a particular region, nation, and culture.