Real History behind Game of Thrones ?

Tywin Lannister

There are a lot of fake things on Game of Thrones — dragons, direwolves (at least of that size), and pretty much everybody's hair — but many of its most noteworthy aspects owe a great deal to real history.

The dynasties and conflicts that shaped Britain provided notable inspiration for the world of Westeros.

The war between the Starks and the Lannisters bears sharp similarities to the Wars of the Roses between the English houses of Lancaster and York between 1455 and 1487.

Like the Starks, the House of York(white rose) were northerners, like the Lannisters the House of Lancaster(red rose) were southerners and extremely wealthy.

But the parallels don't end there, some of the Lords and Ladies of Westeros bear a striking resemblance to historical figures as well.

(1) Robert Baratheon and Edward IV

Robert's own descent into debauchery may have been inspired by that of Edward IV (right)

(2) Petyr Baelish and Thomas Cromwell

Petyr Baelish was a low-born man who worked his way into the court of Robert Baratheon keeping one hand firmly on the purse strings, as did Thomas Cromwell with the court of King Henry VIII

(3) Ned Stark and Richard, Duke of York

Like Eddard after Robert's death, Richard also became protector of the Kingdom during Henry VI's madness. Ultimately both Richard and Ned were killed by beheading, and ended up with their heads mounted on spikes.

(4) Cersei Baratheon and Margaret of Anjou

Both Cersi and Mary of Anjou were known as schemers who put their own desires before the common good

(5) Daenerys Targaryen and Henry Tudor

Daenerys and Henry Tudor both raised armies overseas. Later Henry used his to seize the English throne. we can only hop that at some point Daenerys gets around to doing the same

(6) Robb Stark and Edward IV

Both Robb Stark and Edward IV betrayed a promise of marriage, leading formerly close allies to rebel

(7) Theon Greyjoy and George Plantagenet

Both Theon and George were separated from their parents at a young age following an unsuccessful rebellion. George also betrayed his brother to appease his father-in-law, while Theon betrayed Robb - who he thought of as a brother - to appease his father Baylon

(8) Joffrey Baratheon and Edward of Lancaster

Joffrey was a ruthless ruler who was cruel to his betrothed, Sansa. Edward Plantagenet was also known for his cruelty, especially to his wife, but was never ruled as he was killed on the battlefield aged 17

Here are a few things that correspond to particular places and events in the Game of Thrones universe.

(1) The Massacre of Glencoe

Thrones analogue: The Red Wedding, which you’ll remember was extra horrible because Walder Frey had offered the Starks bread and salt, aka guest right.

(2) Hadrian’s Wall

Thrones analogue: The Wall.

(3) Greek fire

Thrones analogue: Wildfire, Cersei Lannister’s weapon of choice.

(4) Damascus steel

Thrones analogue: Valyrian steel

(5) Knights Templar

Thrones analogue: The Night’s Watch.

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References:

(1) The bloody British history that inspired Game of Thrones

(2) Revealed: The REAL history behind Game of Thrones

(3) 8 Real Things That Inspired "Game of Thrones"