The textbook focuses on the long and complex process of the evolution of historical knowledge. In particular, it examines how knowledge about the past turned into historical science, how the fate of history developed in the 20th century, and also provides information about the life and work of foreign and domestic historians who lived at different times, but united by the study of universal history. Knowing who, when and why turned to the study of the past, it is easier to understand what role history played in the life of society, how the accumulated information about the days of the past turned into a science obeying its own laws, looking for ways to comprehend the past. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation. It is addressed to students studying the history of historical science, history teachers, schoolchildren who dream of becoming historians, and, of course, to all inquisitive readers who, regardless of age and profession, are interested in history.