>In the field of AI, there is a strong push to use data to predict future events. We see this now with algorithmic trading, in particular. Many of the most powerful computers in the world are focused on weather prediction (which has gotten incredible over the past 2 decades). As AI gains in capability, the ability to extend further into the future with increasing complexity should be expected. Theoretically, with a powerful enough computer (many, many years from now), you could accurately predict any future event.

I think you might be confusing AI with machine learning. Machine learning is capable of predicting trades and weather based on past data. You don't need AI to do that right now, it's already possible.

>Why can’t we feed data into a powerful supercomputer and look back, into the past of history, to gain a better understanding of humanity and civilization?

What kind of data would you feed it? What kind of understanding would you want? In terms of historical events we are limited to whatever recordings/recollections survive that were largely hand written. There's no more "data" to be gained.