Historiography and the role of memory in historical research

The study of historiography examines how history is written and the methodologies used to interpret the past. Research into specific events, figures, or archaeological sites is often influenced by the temporal and ideological circumstances of the researcher's era.

In the context of archaeological studies, such as those concerning the Alcazaba of Badajoz, scientific descriptions only began to emerge in the late 19th century. Prior accounts, such as those from the 17th century, often lack scientific rigor.

Furthermore, the concept of the 'total archive' is considered a methodological fallacy. History functions through the selection and exclusion of data; forgetting is an active mechanism that allows for the construction of a coherent narrative. The preservation of sources is frequently mediated by power structures, where certain facts are marginalized or rendered invisible because they lack official documentation or threaten established narratives.