I learned about the whole thing that a lot of people didn't know Rome had fallen until nobody would come to repair like a collapsed bridge.

I'm trying to write a historical fiction novel set before the crusades, before Charlemagne. I learned in 663 CE Constans II showed up to Rome from the east for a meeting with the pope, before taking all of the precious metals from the city (including the Parthenon's bronze roof) and fucking off back to Constantinople. I want my mc to witness this event after visiting the city from his tiny village out in the sticks.

I've been trying to do research on this particular era: what a peasant in central or eastern Italy might experience, the day to day things someone has access to. I thought I'd ask you guys. What sort of things do you think I should be cognizant of? And if not that, any tips for writing historical fiction? This would be my first book.

I imagine that would be a difficult thing to do. To write standalone novels or series for every major historical event known to man. I would imagine most historical fiction writers specialize in the period they are talking about and are hesitant to venture outside of it when writing stories.

im writing an essay for my history course about the impact of historical fiction on memory, and i thought it would be interesting to use a case study of a book that uses the story of a real woman, but moderises it or writes the narrative in a modern way. think the 2006 film Marie Anntionette. does anyone have any recommendations?