The Real War of Thrones explores the real-world history behind Game of Thrones

Usually around this time of the year, we would gearing up for a new season of Game of Thrones, if we weren’t watching one already. For better or worse, HBO is taking its time with the final season of the show, so we won’t get to see new episodes until 2019. What to do to fill the time until then? CuriosityStream, ad-free subscription video on demand service that specializes in nonfiction programs about science, technology, history and nature, has an option: The Real War of Thrones, a four-part documentary series about some of the real-life history behind Game of Thrones. Check out a trailer:

When writing the Song of Ice and Fire novels, George R.R. Martin drew on many different historical periods for inspiration; the conflict he references most frequently is the Wars of the Roses, an English civil war between the royal houses of Lancaster (*cough* Lannister *cough*) and York (*cough* Stark *cough*). The bulk of The Real War of Thrones is concerned with the build-up to, playing out of, and fallout from the Hundred-Years War between England and France, although it covers the period when the Wars of the Roses happened, too.

And really, regardless of which war we’re talking about, The Real War of Thrones is full of stuff any Game of Thrones fan will recognize: betrayal, sex, pitched battles, strategic marriages, warring families, and the like. Each episode is about 45 minutes long and features extensive historical recreations. Here are the synopses for each:

Episode 1: “War Is Declared, 1328-1364”

"In the turbulent formative centuries of early Europe, power-hungry familydynasties fought for domination of the continent. The conflicting ambitionsof the Plantagenet king of England, Edward III, and the Valois king ofFrance, Philip VI, brought intrigue, war, kidnapping and mayhem to France."

Episode 2: “The Mad King and The Maiden, 1392-1453”

"In 15th Century France confusion reigns with a king who goes mad,dauphines who die as teenagers, a queen who switches allegiancesbetween rival dukes and multiple assassinations. And then, of course, therewas the English king, Henry V, who also claimed the throne of France."

Episode 3: “The Marriage Game,1461-1483”

"Louis XI of France faced a formidable range of enemies when he ascendedthe throne. English kings and Burgundian dukes had eyes for the monarchyof France. This is the story of how Louis battled, schemed, bribed and evenarranged marriages, all in a quest to keep his kingdom."

Episode 4: “The King and The Emperor 1515-1558”

"Child hostages, marriages, battles, and betrayals — this is the story ofFrancis I, King of France and Charles V, King of Spain and Holy RomanEmperor, and the rivalry that engulfed Europe in war. But in the end, dideither of them win?"

You can watch The Real War of Thrones on Curiosity Stream. Enjoy!

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