Question

Which example describes a primary source?

A.
A biography of Charlemagne written by his friend and attendant Einhard in the early 9th century
B.
An article discussing the political actions of Charlemagne written by an American professor
C.
A painting of Charlemagne made by a Renaissance artist in the 15th century
D.
A movie about the lives of Charlemagne and his friend and attendant Einhard

Answer 1

A. A biography of Charlemagne written by his friend and attendant Einhard in the early 9th century.

A primary source is a firsthand or contemporary account of an event or historical figure, created at or around the time of the events or by someone directly involved. In this case, Einhard's biography of Charlemagne, written in the early 9th century, is a primary source because it is a direct account from that historical period and written by someone close to Charlemagne.