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Ancient historical fiction? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I had an interesting thought yesterday. I was pondering, what if some of the archaic literature we relied upon to document past events was actually fictional accounts intended to be read for leisure?

This prompted me to ask what ancient or medieval (preferably before the 15th century) do you know of? Some may describe The Iliad as historical fiction, what do you think.

P.S. Regarding fictional accounts mistook as historical, I found this enlightening discussion on reddit, libreddit link.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The Tale of Sinuhe is an ancient Egyptian story about 4000 years old so that might fit the bill? :)

I haven't read it myself yet though I've got it laying around here somewhere.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71855.The_Tale_of_Sinuhe_And_Other_Ancient_Egyptian_Poems_1940_1640_B_C_

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's certainly interesting! Definitely a glimpse into a very distant culture.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

It might just have to reclaim it's spot on my night stand again soon. :)