History, as a discipline, emerged in ancient Greece with the works of Herodotus and Thucydides. These early historians were concerned with recording events and analyzing their causes and effects. The Romans further developed the field by documenting their own history and creating a framework for historical research. During the Middle Ages, historical writing focused on religious themes and was largely influenced by the Church. It wasn't until the Renaissance that history began to be viewed as a separate academic discipline. Scholars like Niccolò Machiavelli and Leonardo Bruni laid the groundwork for modern historical scholarship by emphasizing the importance of primary sources and critical analysis. In the 19th century, the field of history experienced a surge in popularity with the rise of nationalism and the development of new research methods. Historians like Leopold von Ranke and Jacob Burckhardt emphasized the importance of objectivity and accuracy in historical research. Today, history continues to be a vibrant and evolving discipline, with historians using a wide range of sources and methodologies to understand the past. The field has expanded to include social, cultural, and economic history, among others, reflecting a broader understanding of the complexities of human experience.