Question

a historian is interested in learning about the ancient roman colosseum, an arena where trained fighters battled one another for spectators entertainment. many gladiators were slaves who were forced to fight to the death with other people and even wild animals. the historian has a difficult time understanding how any person would enjoy, or even tolerate, watching such things. the historian concludes that ancient roman culture must have been significantly more tolerant of violence and slavery than modern american culture.
the historians conclusion is an example of which historical skill?
a. detecting bias
b. accessing primary sources
c. using contextualization
d. establishing point of view

Explanation:

Contextualization involves understanding historical events within their own time and place. The historian is comparing ancient Roman culture (with gladiators) to modern American culture. By looking at the Roman Colosseum in its historical context (where gladiatorial combat was a form of entertainment) and contrasting it with modern values, the historian is using contextualization. Detecting bias would involve identifying unfair prejudices in a source. Accessing primary sources is about using original materials from the time. Establishing point of view is about presenting one's own perspective, but here it's more about analyzing the past in its context.

Answer:

C. Using contextualization