As mentioned before, Murasaki Shikibu wrote 'The Tale of Genji' which is often regarded as one of the first historical novels. She was a Japanese noblewoman who had a deep understanding of the court life of her time and was able to portray it vividly in her work.
One of the early works often considered as the first historical novel is 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu. It was written in the 11th century in Japan. It gives a detailed account of the Heian court life, including the relationships, politics, and cultural aspects of that era.
It's hard to determine exactly which was the very first historical fiction novel as it depends on various factors and definitions. But some early examples include works like 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott.
Ivanhoe was not the first. Historical fiction has roots that go deeper, with earlier works laying the groundwork for the genre. However, Ivanhoe is still highly regarded in the realm of historical fiction.