Why would someone who is studying the history or culture of this time period find this text interesting important or useful

I can't see the text but as for your question most of the history in the history books seem (to most) to have happened a lifetime ago so they don't really see how it retains to them and their lives. They live in the present time so they want present events. I believe that although past history is important to learn, we must also take notice of the historic events that are taking place right now. It lets us know what countries are doing (I.e war,trade,ect.) as well as our own and how we are involved in the affairs we are currently in. Most importantly it as a lesson and a reminder to the future generations on how certain events caused certain destruction. It is a stain in time so to speak so they will not take the action's we took in the past to lead them to the repetition of our past and current mistakes.