Westeros in Real History

[Frozentree]

Yes, but that is an oversimplification. Westeros based on Britain, but it has more to it, each distinct region is inspired by another one or two countries and may have some spicing from even more cultures. Same for Essos cities and cultures.

[Rhymes with Weak]

We have a forum filled to the brim with historians, or those who know how to operate Google. Either or...

[jet199]

I don't think there is any evidence for genocide in dark age Britain. In fact one problem archaeologists face is that they haven't found large numbers of mass graves or battle sites which they find during other periods of conflict.

In about AD98, Roman historian Tacitus wrote the following:

“Who were the original inhabitants of Britain, whether they were indigenous or foreign, is as usual among barbarians, little known. Their physical characteristics are various, and from these conclusions may be drawn. The red hair and large limbs of the inhabitants of Caledonia point clearly to a German origin. The dark complexion of the Silures, their usually curly hair, and the fact that Spain is the opposite shore to them, are an evidence that Iberians of a former date crossed over and occupied these parts. Those who are nearest to the Gauls are also like them, either from the permanent influence of original descent, or, because in countries which run out so far to meet each other, climate has produced similar physical qualities."

This is long before the "Anglo-Saxons" invaded but it shows that there was already a noticeable difference between people in the areas which are now Scotland, England and Wales.

"The Origins of the British" by Stephen Oppenheimer is a good book to read which looks at the evidence rather than patriotic myths.

[jet199]

I've made some of the same comparisons, although I find it difficult to compare Ned to Richard III.

They still think very highly of Richard III in Yorkshire. Ned being Richard III fits with my crackpot theory that GRRM is trying to re-write the war of the roses with the yorkists winning. This theory is mostly based on the huge amount of Lancashire-hate their seems to be in the books.