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How does historiography differ from simply listing events in chronological order?

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Neo-Assyrian clay tablet from the 7th century BC inscribed with dense cuneiform writing, known as the Flood Tablet from the Epic of Gilgamesh, displayed in the British Museum. — epigraphy The Flood Tablet, 11th cuneiform tablet in a series relating the Gilgamesh epic, from Nineveh, 7th century bce; in the British Museum, London.

Historiography differs from a simple chronological listing of events because it involves the critical examination of sources, the selective synthesis of details, and the construction of a narrative that aims for a profound understanding of human activity. While chronology focuses on ordering events in the sequence in which they occurred, historiography seeks to interpret those events within their historical context.123

Unlike a mere timeline, historiography requires:

Critical Analysis: Historians evaluate the authenticity and reliability of sources, such as epigraphic records, documents, and archaeological findings, rather than accepting them at face value.14
Synthesis and Interpretation: Rather than just listing facts, historians synthesize details to provide meaning, often addressing the "why" and "how" behind historical developments.15
Broadened Scope: Modern historiography has expanded beyond the traditional focus on political elites and wars to include the experiences of ordinary people, social classes, and psychological dimensions of the past.4

Ultimately, historiography is an interpretive process that evolves as new evidence and perspectives emerge, whereas chronology serves as a foundational tool for mapping the temporal framework of those events.142