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> I know this is an old old old post but I figure this is the still the best place to brooch this topic.
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> Just a thought, But have you consider how long the Romans, believed history to be? just because everyone and their mother beleive the legends of humans 100,000 years ago doesnt mean they are correct. did the Romans know that the history of civilisation wasnt that long?
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Pretty sure the Romans thought history began with the founding of their city. Which they dated somewhere around 750 BC. Before that was just myth and legend or something. How seriously they took their myths and legends I don't know.

I'm talking about fantasy novels that have civilizations with detailed lists of kings, queens, and/or emperors going back thousands of years, all while never getting beyond the technology of early medieval Europe.

The longest lasting "stagnant" kingdom from actual history I can name off the top of my head was probably ancient Egypt. If you count all the dynasties going back to the very beginning of recorded history, the various Egyptian kingdoms lasted for about 3000 years, with one or two gaps or interregnums or whatever they're called (can't be bothered to look it up.) That's 3000 years with approximately the same level of technology. Fantasy novels think nothing of doing this two, three, four, or even five times better.

Fun fact: The Romans of the Roman Empire were about as displaced in time from the building the pyramids as we are from them. So even to the Romans, the pyramids were wondrous achievements of the ancients. Well, they were if they ever thought about who built them and when. Which likely they didn't.

Also, I can't freaking believe I just responded to a response to a SEVEN YEAR OLD POST.

-- Dave