Why do historians continue to gather historical evidence for even well-known events?

They want to find artifacts to sell.
They are looking for evidence to predict the future.
They know that new evidence may lead to new interpretations.
They assume that new technology will prove all of the old theories incorrect.

1 answer

Historians continue to gather historical evidence for even well-known events primarily because they know that new evidence may lead to new interpretations. History is a dynamic field, and as new sources or artifacts are discovered, or as new methodologies are developed, established narratives can be reevaluated and reinterpreted. This ongoing research helps to create a more nuanced understanding of past events and can sometimes challenge or refine previously accepted perspectives.