Potential of ABM Simulation as Historical Research Methodology

This paper aims to demonstrate the potential of Agent-based modeling simulation as a methodology for historical research. As academic discipline History, which used to be based solely on written sources, has expanded its horizons with the aid of new methodologies such as archaeological discoveries and DNA analysis, understanding historical facts and processes better that could not be grasped from written sources alone. In recent years, advances in computer technology have led to the rapid growth of Digital History, a field that is actively incorporating technology into historical research methodologies. This article focuses on Computational History, which is similar to Digital history in that it utilises digital technology, but is differentiated by its pursuit of machine learning and simulation. In particular, this paper focuses on ABM Simulation and examines its potential as a methodology for historical research.