This analysis argues that the new trend of the historization of criminology can be attributed to trends arising within historical science which has now started to examine marginal problems. It is also a result of the inner crisis of criminology itself. The author considers possible areas of cooperation between criminologists and historians and problems which might arise. The debate over criminal policy applicability of historical research is addressed. The paper highlights current needs contributing to increased interest in the past and hypothesizes that every reflection of the past is above all determined by the current theoretical position of the author. Thus, only a critical analysis of the present can provide a clue to understanding the past. 47 footnotes (Author abstract modified)