History is a science in the broad sense as it uses verifiable data about the historical record to make conclusions about what occurred. In that regard it isn't

History is a science in the broad sense as it uses verifiable data about the historical record to make conclusions about what occurred. In that regard it isn't much different from other sciences that study the non-historical past, such as paleontology or physical anthropology. That being said, not every piece of data or conclusion drawn in history is equally valid. Much like with natural sciences, you have to consider the very real possibility that when one person or group of people come up with a radical new conclusion that they are mistaken. It's always safer to stick with consensus views unless you know a particular subject well and can judge the merits yourself. If a new idea really is valid, eventually it will become part of the consensus.