They make the past come alive. For example, by showing daily life in the legions, like the training, the relationships between soldiers.
These novels often explore the military strategies of the Roman legions. They can show how the legions were organized, how they fought different enemies, and how they adapted to various terrains. This helps us understand the military might of ancient Rome. Also, they can depict the political and social context in which the legions operated. For instance, how the Roman government controlled the legions and how the legions influenced Roman politics. By including fictional characters and their stories within the historical framework, it gives us a more personal and relatable view of what it was like to be in ancient Rome.
Roman fiction novels contribute by depicting the daily life. For example, they show how Romans dressed, what they ate, and how they socialized. They also portray the architecture, like the grandeur of the Colosseum. Through the characters' beliefs and values, we can understand Roman morality.
Greek Roman historical fiction often fills in the gaps left by historical records. Since historical sources might be incomplete, these fictions can offer possible interpretations of events and people. They can also show cultural values. For instance, in stories about Greek heroes, we can see the importance of honor and glory in their culture. Also, by depicting the relationships between different classes in Roman society in fictional works, we can understand the complexity of their social structure better. In general, it brings the ancient cultures to life in a way that dry historical texts sometimes can't.
It brings the era to life. For example, through vivid descriptions of daily life, like the Roman military camps, the relationship between the Romans and the native Britons.
They humanize the victims. For example, in 'The Diary of Anne Frank' (which can be considered in the realm of historical fiction based on a real diary), we see the hopes, dreams, and fears of a young girl. This makes the millions of faceless victims of the Holocaust into real, relatable people.
Modern historical fiction novels contribute to our understanding of history by bringing the past to life. For example, they can describe the daily lives of people in a certain era. We can understand the social norms, clothing, food, and relationships through the characters in the novels. In 'The Nightingale', we get a sense of what it was like for women in France during World War II.
Historical art fiction novels can make art history more accessible. For example, 'The Girl with a Pearl Earring' gives us a vivid picture of the world in which Vermeer painted. By fictionalizing the story of the girl in the painting, it makes us more interested in Vermeer's art and the context of his work.
Historical western fiction novels contribute by depicting the daily life. For example, they show how cowboys worked, like herding cattle. They also portray the relationships between different groups, such as settlers and Native Americans.
Hatshepsut historical fiction helps by making the past more accessible. It takes dry historical facts and turns them into engaging stories. For example, it can show how Hatshepsut might have interacted with her court, which is not always clear from just archaeological evidence.
Pagan historical fiction allows us to see the religious beliefs of ancient cultures more vividly. For example, in stories set in Ancient Greece, we can understand how the Greeks worshipped their pantheon of gods through the fictional characters' actions and thoughts.
Plato historical fiction helps by bringing the era to life. It gives us a more vivid picture of the people and their daily lives. For example, if a story is set in Plato's Athens, we can imagine the agora, the discussions in the streets, and the social hierarchies.