Which of these tools can best help historians understand the effects of location on past societies?

maps
fossils
artifacts
timelines

Maps can best help historians understand the effects of location on past societies. Maps can provide information on various aspects of a society's location, such as natural resources, trade routes, and geographic barriers, which can all have significant impacts on the development and characteristics of a society. Fossils, artifacts, and timelines may provide additional context and information, but maps can give a comprehensive visual representation of the impact of location on past societies.