What is Corroborating Evidence? Why is it Important?

As Dr. Hernandez is investigating the food fight, she cannot rely on just one account of what happened. She will interview more than one witness to find corroborating evidence. For example:

Student X Says:  "Teddy threw the first carrot."

Student Y Says:  "I also saw Teddy throw the first carrot."

Now, the evidence against Teddy is corroborated.

Then, Student Z says: "It wasn't Teddy! It was actually Student X who threw the first carrot!"

Now, there is a contradiction.

Historians also look for corroborating evidence when trying to figure out what happened in the past. They never rely on just one piece of evidence. Good historians also pay careful attention to evidence that is contradictory.

1. As you continue with your analysis of primary sources about slavery, you will complete number 4 for two different pieces of evidence: 
This source corroborates with / contradicts source number ____ because...

2.  Now you will read a secondary source of information about slavery in the Roman Empire. As you read, highlight at least one new fact about slavery in each paragraph.

3.  The story of Spartacus was eventually made into a Hollywood film. View the clips from the movie. From what you have researched about slavery in the Roman Empire, do you feel the movie is historically accurate? Please respond in the blog comment box below.