historical fiction time periods

Historical fiction is a captivating genre that allows readers to travel back in time and experience different eras. From ancient civilizations to recent historical events, there are countless time periods to explore within this literary category. In this article, we will delve into some popular time periods in historical fiction and recommend some must-read novels for each era.

1. Ancient Egypt:
When it comes to ancient civilizations, Egypt holds a significant place in world history. If you are interested in this time period, a remarkable novel to consider is "Cleopatra's Daughter" by Michelle Moran. This gripping tale brings to life the aftermath of Cleopatra's reign, following the fate of her children in imperial Rome.

2. Medieval Europe:
Medieval Europe is a rich and captivating setting for historical fiction enthusiasts. One highly acclaimed novel set in this era is "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. This epic tale takes readers on a journey through 12th-century England, exploring the construction of a magnificent cathedral amidst political turmoil and personal ambitions.

3. Renaissance Italy:
The Renaissance was a period of unparalleled cultural and artistic achievements. To immerse yourself in the world of Renaissance Italy, consider reading "The Birth of Venus" by Sarah Dunant. Set in 15th-century Florence, this novel follows a young woman's journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of art, passion, and political intrigue.

4. Elizabethan England:
Known as the Golden Age, Elizabethan England is a favorite time period for many historical fiction lovers. A highly recommended novel set in this era is "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel. This masterpiece explores the life of Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in Henry VIII's court, providing a compelling perspective on power, religion, and the tumultuous reign of the Tudors.

5. World War II:
World War II remains a popular setting for historical fiction, offering a diverse range of stories from different perspectives. For an immersive experience, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a must-read. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the intertwining stories of a French girl and a German boy whose lives are forever changed by the war.

These are just a few examples of the vast array of time periods that historical fiction encompasses. To further explore this genre, you can visit websites like Goodreads or HistoricalNovels.info, which provide comprehensive book lists and recommendations based on various time periods and themes.

Remember, historical fiction not only offers a thrilling escape into the past but also allows readers to gain insights into different cultures, traditions, and historical events. So, whether you're drawn to the allure of ancient civilizations or the drama of World War II, there is a historical fiction novel waiting to transport you to your desired time period. Happy reading!
Spartacus Fiction
Spartacus

"Spartacus" is an outstanding historical novel by the famous Italian writer Raffaello Giovagnoli in the 19th century. It tells the story of a grand gladiator uprising that took place in ancient Rome. Led by Spartacus, the gladiators rose up against the tyranny of the Romans in order to fight for freedom and dignity. They bravely fought against their powerful enemies, repeatedly achieving surprising victories and inflicting heavy casualties on the Roman army. However, the gladiator army was eventually surrounded and annihilated by the formidable enemy forces, with Spartacus fighting until his last breath. The novel truthfully recreates the struggle for freedom and liberation fought by the oppressed two thousand years ago, and immortalizes the iconic figure of the uprising leader, Spartacus."

351.59 Million words | 2021-09-08 04:54Update

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E Zhongtian on the Three Kingdoms Fiction
E Zhongtian on the Three Kingdoms

In the historical records, why are the actions of E Zhongtian always contradictory and controversial? Who was Cao Cao and what were his achievements and shortcomings in his early years? Professor E Zhongtian will interpret from the perspective of the common people in his book 'E Zhongtian on the Three Kingdoms'. Although the manuscript of the new book is based on his lectures, Jia Zongpei mentioned that the content of the book is much richer than what was shown on television. 'E Zhongtian has made revisions to the content he previously discussed on television, filling in all the unfinished thoughts in the book.'

336.54 Million words | 2023-03-09 04:04Update

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Phoenix in the Nine Skies Fiction
Phoenix in the Nine Skies

Feng Ming, a powerless young boy from the countryside, accidentally enters the palace while searching for his relatives in the capital city. He is forced to get involved in the political scene of the West Lei Dynasty and meets the regent prince Rong Tian. After several encounters, they develop a deep bond. Rong Tian, ambitious and aspiring to revive the West Lei Dynasty, seeks to end the chaotic times. With the assistance of Feng Ming's wisdom and strategies, they stabilize the internal affairs, embark on diplomatic missions, and quell wars. Through various challenges, they experience the desires of the people to escape the turmoil and live in peace. Feng Ming, kind-hearted and brave, often displays his ingenious wit, while Rong Tian demonstrates his military and political acumen, caring for the people and solving numerous difficulties. Eventually, through their perfect cooperation, they unite various forces, defeat evil influences, repel enemies, uphold justice, and each achieves a legendary life.

329.82 Million words | 2021-06-02 23:03Update

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Li Zicheng Fiction
Li Zicheng

Following the principle of "delving into history while transcending history", the author depicts the intricate and grand historical process of a peasant uprising that took place many years ago. The novel revolves around the transformation of Li Zicheng's peasant uprising from weakness to strength, the overthrow of the Ming Dynasty, and the resistance against the invading Qing army. It presents a multi-perspective, multi-faceted, and multi-level panorama of the tumultuous events during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, as well as the tragic end of the peasant uprising, revealing the laws governing peasant wars and historical development.

380.97 Million words | 2021-06-22 06:13Update

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Empresses in the Palace: The Legend of Ru Yi Fiction
Empresses in the Palace: The Legend of Ru Yi

Empresses in the Palace: The Legend of Ru Yi is a six-volume novel by Liu Lianzi. It was published by China Overseas Press in 20XX. The story is a sequel to Story of Yanxi Palace and focuses on the power struggles among the concubines in the Qing dynasty's harem, including the main protagonist, Ula Nara Ru Yi, Gao Jia Xi Yue, Fucha Lang A, Jin Yu Yan, and Wei Yan Wan. The novel was adapted into a TV drama in 20XX and started filming in the month of XX, before being released in 20XX.

188.73 Million words | 2022-11-11 09:43Update

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The Great Song Palace Fiction
The Great Song Palace

The 'Golden Chamber Alliance' left by Zhao Kuangyin sparked a power struggle in the Song court. Liu E, a lonely girl from Shu, fell in love with the third prince Zhao Heng during the war. They went through the rebellion of the Prince of Qin, the struggle for succession among the three princes, and the Battle of Chanyuan. Liu E's exceptional talent and careful handling of political affairs earned her the trust and reliance of Zhao Heng. With several princes lost, the succession to the throne became imminent, and the imperial court faced unprecedented crisis as ministers and influential families fought for their own interests or formed secret alliances. After Zhao Heng's demise, Emperor Ren was young and weak. In order to fulfill her late husband's wishes, Liu E took charge of the court and resolved party disputes, promoted water conservation, established welfare programs, and successfully addressed conflicts and unrest among various ethnic groups. She also boldly recruited new talents such as Fan Zhongyan, Yan Shu, and Su Xun, laying a solid foundation for Emperor Ren's prosperous rule for over 40 years.

99.86 Million words | 2023-02-12 18:54Update

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Sunrise Chang Fiction
Sunrise Chang

In the mid-Qing dynasty, due to the need for commodity circulation and currency turnover, an institution specializing in money exchange and remittance business emerged, known as 'Piaohao', also known as 'Piaozhuang' or 'Huizhuang'. This industry was monopolized by people from Shanxi province, known as 'Shanxi Piaohao'. They had a monopoly on the exchange business throughout the country. The largest Piaohao in the country at that time had a total of X branches, of which the largest was 'Sunrise Chang' established by Li Jingkai, a native of Pingyao. It originally operated as a pigment shop and later transitioned into a Piaohao during the Daoguang reign. This book tells the story of the rise and peak of the pioneering Piaohao 'Sunrise Chang' in China, portraying the loves, hates, and struggles of a generation of Jin merchants. It is the precursor of Chinese banks, controlling a significant part of China's financial industry in that era. The street where it was located is colloquially known as the 'Wall Street of China'. It is an indispensable topic in Pingyao, an unmissable story in Shanxi, and the starting point that China's modern financial industry cannot overlook. Without Pingyao and 'Sunrise Chang', the history of China's modern financial industry would have been rewritten, and perhaps even the starting point would still be unknown.

29.92 Million words | 2021-01-02 00:54Update

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Story of Yanxi Palace Fiction
Story of Yanxi Palace

In the sixth year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, the young girl Wei Yingluo enters the Forbidden City as a palace maid in search of the truth behind her older sister's death. After investigation, Yingluo confirms that her sister's death is related to the reckless Prince Hongzhou and vows to seek justice. Empress Fucha is well-versed in etiquette and laws, and worries that Yingluo might take the wrong path, thus providing her with warmth and assistance. Under the careful guidance of the Empress, Wei Yingluo gradually grows to become a righteous and strong court official, letting go of her resentment and living a meaningful life. Unfortunately, the Empress passes away, causing Yingluo to misunderstand Emperor Qianlong. From initially being enemies, the two eventually come to understand and support each other.

199.78 Million words | 2022-07-26 19:05Update

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The Rise and Fall of Weiyang Fiction
The Rise and Fall of Weiyang

Original novel of 'The Scheme of a Beauty'. Who will dominate in the Han Dynasty? Xiao Qingyi, a small woman, manipulates a conspiracy involving the nine-year-old empress dowager's false childbirth, but little did she know that in the end, she would be the one caught in her own trap! The greatest pains in life are suffered by people, even the Emperor himself cannot control everything! Emperor Liu Ying of Han, a tragicomedy involving the marriage of his uncle to his niece, is a lamentation of the Han Dynasty! This book is a lengthy novel set in the early Han Dynasty, starting with Empress Lv Zhi's pardon and appointment of Xiao Qingyi as a virtuous daughter to a vassal state. Meanwhile, Prince Liu Heng of Dai forms an alliance with her, based on trust and intelligence, to build their empire together. From then on, she calmly steps towards the pinnacle of power, eventually becoming the legendary woman of the Western Han Dynasty, who held the imperial seal of authority for four dynasties.

299.26 Million words | 2022-08-11 06:16Update

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The Thunder Part I: Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon Fiction
The Thunder Part I: Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon

If women have the saying of red and white roses, then men also have their own, just not described with beauty or thorns. Even archangel Michael and the demon king Satan, who are completely opposite, have their own strengths that make you draw closer to them involuntarily. Perhaps to prove this, modern woman Lei Lei is deceived by an evil time-traveling consortium and revives using the body of Hua Xiao Lei... Without knowing the consequences of Hua Xiao Lei's suicide, Lei Lei gets entangled in the world of rivers and lakes, and also encounters Fengming, the perfect and righteous successor of the Feudal Manor, who is the nominal husband of Hua Xiao Lei, Young Master Xiao Bai.

486.35 Million words | 2023-06-05 20:35Update

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Legend of Yanxi Palace Fiction
Legend of Yanxi Palace

The struggle between women is always the cruelest. And the imperial harem is a place of intense cruelty. In the imperial harem depicted by the author Liulanzhi, the beautiful women may come from prestigious families or possess exquisite beauty and intelligence. They compete for love, wealth, and the attention of a man who may not be worth it, engaging in schemes, deceptions, and constant rivalries, wasting their youth and happiness in this never-ending battle. Though they are stunningly beautiful, they are also perilous. However, no matter how fierce their struggle is, they still hold hope for a better life. In the story, Zhen Huan, created by Liulanzhi, is unparalleled in the world, a delicate and virtuous woman with extraordinary talent. She firmly believes in true love. She is not an ethereal being detached from the mortal world. In the imperial harem, she yearns for extravagant love, but is burdened with too many considerations. As the curtain falls, the loneliness becomes particularly chilling.

273.50 Million words | 2022-07-06 05:47Update

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The Legend of Yaoxiang Fiction
The Legend of Yaoxiang

During the middle period of the Tang Dynasty, Princess Shengping's second daughter, Yaoxiang, was mischievous from a young age, often causing trouble. As a result, she was sent by her parents to train in the Hezhong Army. In Hezhong, Yaoxiang honed her skills and became a well-known female warrior. As border conflicts escalated, Yaoxiang fell into an enemy trap and the Hezhong Army suffered consecutive defeats on the verge of collapse. Faced with these setbacks, Yaoxiang had to abandon her carefree nature and transform from an innocent girl into a resilient and independent female general. She took on the mission of revitalizing her family and rebuilding the Hezhong Army.

2.57 Million words | 2020-09-02 18:16Update

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Scarlet Heart Fiction
Scarlet Heart

"Scarlet Heart" (Tong Hua) tells the story of a white-collar woman who, after traversing time, becomes the stubborn and willful "Determined Thirteen Sister" Ruoxi. With her insight into the Qing Dynasty's history, she becomes embroiled in the struggle for the throne among the Nine Princes. She constantly fights or compromises with her fate. She knows the course of history and who she should align with, but her deep love for certain individuals complicates matters. So she must carefully navigate every step, constantly shocking her heart. What kind of future will Kangxi arrange for Ruoxi? Can a woman's imprint coexist with the victors and the vanquished among men? Will Ruoxi choose the gentle and jade-like Eighth Prince or the cold-hearted but passionate Fourth Prince, or someone else? The ending is always unexpected! Please follow Maertai Ruoxi into this story of love that shocks the heart and hatred that shocks the heart.

73.19 Million words | 2022-10-29 23:51Update

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The Return of the Princess Fiction
The Return of the Princess

Yue Xi Luo, the daughter of a famous general, marries Prince Yun Ze Xiao Qi against the will of her father and brother, who sacrificed their lives in battle to ensure the stability of Prince Yun's position and Yue Xi's happiness. However, in a moment of danger, Prince Yun abandons Yue Xi to save another woman, leaving her heartbroken and fallen into despair. Years later, Prince Yun remarries, while Yue Xi, saved by a mysterious figure from the 'Eternal Realm', returns with the truth behind the deaths on the battlefield. She carries a curse that will unleash the 'Demon' upon the Flame Kingdom, along with a secret that can disrupt the balance of the entire world. With a heart burning for revenge, she returns from the ashes...

131.72 Million words | 2022-10-25 23:44Update

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Traveling Through and Stepping Into Martial Arts Fiction
Traveling Through and Stepping Into Martial Arts

Zhang Jie returned to her dormitory, feeling annoyed. The other girls in the dormitory were chattering happily, but upon seeing her, they quickly scattered and gave her disdainful looks. 'Xiao Qing, are you still reading?' she casually asked. The girl lying on the bed put down her book and glanced at her sarcastically, 'Oh, I'm bothering people by lying here and reading, am I?' Just as she finished speaking, someone nearby let out a cold snort. 'I meant you've been lying down for too long and straining your eyes,' Zhang Jie explained kindly. 'No need to worry, let the beauty take care of it,' the girl replied, though accustomed to the situation. Zhang Jie could only smile helplessly and ask, 'What did I do to deserve this?'

174.94 Million words | 2021-09-20 09:31Update

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Transcending the Martial World: Strange Legends Fiction
Transcending the Martial World: Strange Legends

Queen Xiaoxiao atypically transmigrates to this peculiar, bizarre, and unheard of martial world, embarking on her dream to become a female hero who roams the jianghu, upholding justice and righteousness. However, little did she know that the jianghu created by the author is extraordinary and astonishing, leaving her dumbfounded. Luckily, she is aware that she is the protagonist of the author's pen, relying on her lively spirit, strong will, and occasionally revealed meticulous thinking to overcome various dangers. Kind-hearted, spontaneous, adorable, and full of energy, Wang Xiaoxiao also begins to anticipate the male lead chosen by the author, while unknowingly being affected by the people around her in every move they make...

3.45 Million words | 2020-10-18 22:13Update

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The First Husband in Time Travel Fiction
The First Husband in Time Travel

There is a saying in the martial arts world, 'Why bother with excuses, big or small cases are not a worry.' The story begins with this. Modern girl Yang Nianqing falls into water and accidentally travels to a dynasty similar to the Song Dynasty, getting involved in a series of serial murder cases. She meets the 'god' and the 'human' of the first rank, and together with them, they embark on a journey to solve the cases. As the investigation deepens, the love and hatred between Yun Biyue and the White Duo, the tragic love of Mr. and Mrs. Leng, the secrets of Tang Jingfeng and his wife, and the truth behind the massacre of the Tao family more than twenty years ago all come to light. The emotional entanglement of the main and supporting male characters comes to an end, and when the cruel truth is revealed, the friendship of the four good friends remains as beautiful as ever.

558.45 Million words | 2023-05-19 23:46Update

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Through The Dream of Lanke Fiction
Through The Dream of Lanke

Amidst complaints and murmurs, a sweet-looking girl of around seventeen or eighteen years old, wearing a T-shirt and jeans, walked slowly along the black road. Annoyed, her grandfather insisted on accompanying her to Mt. Maoshan, but at the last minute, he became interested in studying protective talismans and left her alone at the Yinsi Palace. It was indeed a good day for traveling. Although the weather had cooled down, the mountains were still lush, with red flowers leaning against the greenery and fragrant grass and trees. Perhaps due to the rain a few days ago, the sunlight unexpectedly became gentle, like a light veil, with a hint of coolness in the wind, and the scent of green leaves wafting in the air. Lin Feifei walked with great enthusiasm...

410.71 Million words | 2021-05-18 01:46Update

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Endless Merchant Emperor Fiction
Endless Merchant Emperor

A light transmigration and growth-oriented historical fiction set in an alternative historical timeline. The plot is logically sound and involves court politics, ancient warfare, business battles, and agricultural development.

545.09 Million words | 2020-08-30 17:15Update

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Prince of the Jianghu Fiction
Prince of the Jianghu

Originally titled 'The Prince's Stick Technique', the protagonist's father sent him to learn martial arts with the agreement that once he had mastered it, they would venture into the Jianghu together and capture female warriors. However, unexpectedly, the father passed away, and Qin Shou'an had no choice but to leave the mountain ahead of time and inherit this enchanting and alluring world of the Jianghu.

481.15 Million words | 2020-08-14 13:33Update

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The Supreme Prince Fiction
The Supreme Prince

Standing before you is the most extraordinary and unique prince in history! He challenges the emperor, exposes corrupt officials, creates chaos in the capital city, suppresses rebels, conquers cities, and romances beautiful women. Accidentally, he achieves his dream of ruling the world while intoxicated on beauty's lap. Everyone urges him to ascend to the throne, but... 'Help! I don't want to be the emperor!'

181.31 Million words | 2020-12-22 07:32Update

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