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How have nontraditional sources helped historians study ordinary people and marginalized groups?

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Neo-Assyrian clay tablet from the 7th century BC inscribed with dense cuneiform writing, known as the Flood Tablet from the Epic of Gilgamesh, displayed in the British Museum. — epigraphy The Flood Tablet, 11th cuneiform tablet in a series relating the Gilgamesh epic, from Nineveh, 7th century bce; in the British Museum, London.

Nontraditional sources, such as incidental inscriptions and everyday records, have become essential for historians seeking to understand the lives of ordinary people and marginalized groups who were often excluded from formal, elite-driven narratives.

In the field of epigraphy, while monumental inscriptions often focus on dynastic or official history, "incidental" records—such as graffiti, potsherds (ostraca), and scraps of papyrus—provide direct insights into the daily patterns, social relations, and economic activities of common individuals. For example, in ancient Egypt, the preservation of day-to-day written matter has allowed scholars to reconstruct normal living patterns and technicalities of life that would otherwise be lost.12

Beyond epigraphy, the development of subaltern history has further transformed how historians approach marginalized populations. By challenging the "master narratives" of imperialist or elite-centric historiography, subaltern studies seek to bring the experiences of subordinated people—including women and colonized groups—into the historical record. This approach emphasizes that traditional, elite-focused sources often reflect hegemonic biases, necessitating a shift toward diverse evidence that can better represent the voices and contributions of those historically pushed to the margins.3