As scientists we have the prestige to comment on about all sorts of things, history, economics, politics. A scientist is an expert in those fields without having to study them.
Here is a scientific graph of history:
FAQ:
I have read about how the "Dark Ages" was not a period of regression at all
What about the Islamic and Chinese world?
Wouldn't people of continued worshipping roman/pagan gods without Christianity
How do you quantify scientific progress?