Separating fact from interpretation. A framework for understanding history through epistemological layers.

Try: Tiananmen 1989, Berlin Wall, Arab Spring

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The Framework

8 Layers of Historical Understanding

Every historical event exists at multiple levels of interpretation. We separate them so you can see clearly.

Layer 0 Bare Events Physical facts only — what happened, when, where
Layer 1 Attributed Actions Who did what — actors and their documented actions
Layer 2 Claimed Motives Why sources say they did it — stated intentions
Layer 3 Causal Claims What sources say caused or resulted from the event
Layer 4 Framing How different narratives position the event
Layer 5 Era Texture Music, technology, fashion — what the world felt like
Layer 6 Structural Context Geopolitical, economic, and technological forces
Layer 7 Ideological Direction Underlying worldviews and belief systems
How It Works

From tangled narratives to clear understanding

History is often taught as a single story. We help you see all the stories — and where they come from.

01

Search an event

Enter any historical event — from ancient history to last week. Our AI researches and structures it into layers.

02

Explore the layers

See bare facts separated from interpretations. Understand who claims what, and why different sources disagree.

03

Compare framings

See how the same event looks from different perspectives — Western, local, official, dissident, academic.

04

Understand context

Discover the structural forces and worldviews that shaped the event — things textbooks often leave out.

Pricing

Free for education. Affordable for everyone.

Our mission is to improve historical literacy. We keep it accessible.

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Try Layered History with limited queries

  • 10 event explorations per month
  • Access to example events
  • Basic layer visualization
  • Community support
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Education
Free

For schools, universities, and museums

  • Unlimited access for institution
  • Classroom tools and exports
  • LMS integration
  • Requires attribution
  • Dedicated support
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