In an article published in “Hebei Academic Journal” 3rd issue of 2025, Li Yu and Cheng Cheng argue that artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced new horizons and methodologies to the field of historical research. AI’s ability to conduct in-depth analyses of historical documents through sophisticated algorithms allows it to both verify traditional historical sources—such as texts—and generate new sources in the form of datasets. This dual capability provides historians with more objective and scientific evidence, enhancing the rigor of their research.
Moreover, AI leverages virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to recreate historical scenes. This not only offers researchers a visual pathway for exploring the past but also caters to the public’s growing demand for immersive historical experiences. In essence, AI not only enhances the verifiability of historical research but also propels the field towards greater visualization, effectively reshaping the way history is studied and understood.
AI is more than just a technological tool; it serves as a platform for academic dialogue among historians. Historians should embrace these new opportunities, familiarize themselves with multimodal human–machine interactions, and focus on both the inheritance and innovation of historical research.