It's crazy to think that something we rely on so heavily can be so unreliable!
That's why it is difficult to take "history" in its complete literal sense.

The world can only be perceived through our limited perception which is constantly changing due to inner and outer stimuli!

How I like to approach things, is by understanding that the past and our memories are only relative to our experience therefore little "truth" exists in what we remember.

Being in the present moment relinquishes most of the issue caused by relying too much on the past. It should only ever be used when it can be of aid in the present moment :)