Fact in fiction…

In writing Tobias, I’ve had to read such a lot of information about so many aspects of life for my characters…

I have had to research achondroplasia, twins, Tyrian purple, medieval trade, medieval food, clothes and dwellings.

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Medieval vessels, tides and wind patterns of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic.

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Byzantine food, clothing, customs. Arab culture including food, clothing and medicine.

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Troubadour history. Medieval lyrics.

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The Roman Church, the Orthodox Church, the Jewish Faith and the Muslim Faith.

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And most importantly Constantinople – which means streets, buildings, walls, harbours, churches, and the great Valens Aqueduct…

But why this? It’s hardly an academic text.

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Because of this – a great map of the area in the 1200’s.

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Which isn’t as good as this:
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Byzantium 1200! I LOVE this site.

Then there are more:

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There are also PDF’S, maps, and photos plus emails from specialists in particular areas.

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And I have quite a number of e-titles on my Kindle too, but this is enough to be going on with for the moment, I think.

I’ll see you later – at the end of the next fact-finding mission!