The source graph
Start with a specific proposition. Identify the recording or manuscript, its edition, the translation, later historian commentary and the present summary. If three websites all repeat one modern historian, they are not three independent historical witnesses.
Confidence is question-specific
A source can be excellent evidence that a statement was recorded but weak evidence for the literal event it describes. Separate documentary confidence, interpretation and empirical verification. A generalized “high confidence” badge conceals that distinction.
Practical application
This site offers source IDs on its historical essays, a claim explorer and an editorial uncertainty policy. The system is intentionally small enough to be audited by hand, rather than producing the appearance of rigor through a large opaque score.
Source and revision record
- Trial transcripts: Paolo Gasparutto and Battista Moduco, 1575–1581 (translated excerpt via University of Washington)Edited translation of primary record · A modern publication of translated trial testimony, not a facsimile of the original manuscript. Copyright may apply.
- Santarelli and Weber, Benandanti, EreticopediaScholarly reference · Survey of agrarian, funerary and therapeutic strands, with discussion of scholarly disagreement.
- Carlo Ginzburg, The Night Battles (updated edition, 2026)Publisher listing · Publisher bibliographic and interpretive overview; updated edition dated September 8, 2026.