Some folk just don't know the difference between an excuse and an explanation, do they?

To say that such and such an historical person, whose achievements are equalled or surpassed only by their misdeeds was 'of their time' is to explain their behaviour, but not to excuse it. They did those things because, according to the manners, morals and beliefs of their time, they were allowed to. Questions of the morality or otherwise of their actions were probably never raised, at least to their faces.

Never use an explanation as an excuse, they are tow different things.