AI in Historical Research and Methodology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has begun to transform the discipline of history in unprecedented ways. From digitization of archives to algorithmic interpretation of sources, AI tools are reshaping how historians collect, analyze, and interpret evidence. This paper examines the role of AI in historical research and methodology, focusing on machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and big data analytics. It discusses the opportunities offered by AI—such as enhanced accessibility, pattern detection, and interdisciplinary collaboration—while also addressing methodological risks, algorithmic bias, and epistemological challenges. The study argues that AI should be viewed not as a replacement for the historian but as an advanced methodological assistant that expands the scale and scope of historical inquiry.