Studying history has always been a passion of mine. As early as I can remember, it was my favourite subject in school.
I liked history so much I ended up an Honours Specialization in it for my Bachelor’s. The one thing those years taught me? Even if I could find a job with a History degree, I wouldn’t want to spoil my passion by turning it into work.
So I left the professional pursuit of history behind. But as I’ve become a writer, I’ve realized more and more how aspects of my favourite time periods are seeping into my work.
Seeing as I love a good countdown, here goes my top 5 favourite historical periods and the aspects I’m taking from them in my current work:
Honourable Mention – The Crusades
While a number of crusades took place over, primarily, a 200-year span (or 900-year span if you count the 1989 Indiana Jones flick), I’m grouping them all into one for this honourable mention.
These campaigns saw massive troop movements over vast distances, huge sieges, the founding of secretive orders, and atrocities committed in the name of religions on both sides.
The secret orders are definitely something I’ve drawn heavily from.
#5 – Napoleonic Europe
If you read my 10 Stories that Shaped Me post, you’ll know that I am a BIG fan of Napoleonic Europe.
From power-hungry leaders to the unique views on things like honour and prestige, I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from this period.
Other areas of this point in history that have always interested me were the culture, architecture & fashion, large-scale battles, and the advancement in technology.
#4 – Samurai-Era Japan
Samurais are cool, enough said.
From the region’s take on feudalism to the warrior culture and the political hierarchy, everything about this locale and period in history appeals to me.
The peoples’ perception of honour and prestigious are as unique as they are complex. Taking these ideas can really spice up a fantasy author’s world-building.
#3 – The Roman Empire
From humble origins to an empire that sprawled across continents, the Romans have always been one of the most interesting historical peoples to me.
Political intrigue, coups, massive armies and even bigger campaigns, everything about the hundreds of years of the Roman Empire fascinates me. It was my favourite time period when I was first becoming the history nerd I am today.
#2 – 13th to 18th century Scotland & England
My interest in Scottish history almost certainly comes from having a majority of my family live in that country. But as I studied history throughout university, I really came to appreciate the history of the English as well.
I’ve given a wide time frame here because I love everything from the feats of William Wallace during the Scottish Wars of Independence to the ongoing struggles between the two countries in the period portrayed by stories such as Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander.
Some of the main features from this period that have made their way into my current project are changing relationships between the two countries and things such as the dress, settlements and weaponry of the latter end of the time frame.
#1 – Ancient / Mythological Greece
And so we come to #1.
Ancient Greece, and the mythology that comes inseparable from the history, is without a doubt my favourite period in history. I liked it so much I read The Odyssey and The Iliad when I was about 10 years old.
From the classical civilization , to the surprisingly advanced technology and awe-inspiring art and architecture, ancient Greece captures my imagination like no other.
While the period and the mythology do not have a great deal of direct impact on my current work, my dream is to create an epic fantasy tale that draws heavily on the ancient Greek culture and mythology.
What are your favourite periods throughout history? Have they inspired any parts of your writing? Let me know in the comments below!
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