truth and history

[vlad_demstra]

You know all these posts about how MTW isn't accurate to the real history got me thinkin a bit... Who really know what truth is? think about it. it's story's that are handed down in the point of view of the teller and writer. we weren't there. I mean really, where you there? I've heard several different story's on the history channel about stone hedge and views of the American revolutionary war. and alot of them are different views... so my point is.. do you really believe you read when it could be all fables...

[Lord Ovaat]

Rumor and fable, told often enough with sincerity, becomes truth. Live by skepticism, validation, and caution. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Malcolm Big Head]

I think you have to look at different sources to get the main idea. It makes you wonder which culture will have their version of current times remembered in 1000 years. Japanese history books and American history books differ on the events surrounding Pearl Harbor. (From what I have heard. I can't read Japanese) The truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.

If only the Irish had conquered the world. Jameson for all. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cheers.gif

[Accounting Troll]

It's like that phrase history is written by the winners.

A recent history series on BBC2 listed several instances where the English throne had been taken through rebellion and the new king would set about slandering the previous king in order to make it look as if he had led the rebellion in order to save England from the extreme wickedness of the old king. If the lies are told enough times, and anyone with an inconveniently good memory is executed for treason, the lies become regarded as official fact. The way that Richard III has become regarded as the ultimate villain was hailed as an example of this process.

Even today, schoolchildren are taught a version of history that has been edited to make it look like they live in the most glorious nation in the world. When they later find out that people in neighbouring countries have differing views on this matter, they are told that although they live in a peaceful freedom-loving country, in neighbouring countries children are brainwashed by evil repressive government propoganda.

The developers of M:TW put gameplay ahead of historical accuracy. For instance some faction specific units such as the English longbow were made weaker to give other factions a fighting chance. Other times, they cut back on their research budget and mistakes crept in, eg the association of Malta with the Knights Hospitaller which didn't start until the 16th century.

[nick_maxell]

Quote[/b] (Accounting Troll @ April 05 2004,13:07)]The developers of M:TW put gameplay ahead of historical accuracy. For instance some faction specific units such as the English longbow were made weaker to give other factions a fighting chance. Other times, they cut back on their research budget and mistakes crept in, eg the association of Malta with the Knights Hospitaller which didn't start until the 16th century.
I agree with you - they should have left the bonus for Rhodos alone as they had their HQ there in the time of the game. Maybe it was for balance reason to make holding Malta more interesting or the Sicilians were planned to be able to crusade to give them some bite

http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/cheers.gif

nick

[Accounting Troll]

I think it was just a mistake. The capital of Malta during the middle ages was Mdina, which was founded when it was under Arab rule. Valetta was founded just after the seige of 1565, and it was named after the Grand Master of the Hospitallers who had led the succesful defence.

[meravelha]

Professional historians, of course, are keenly aware of these problems. That is why they devote their entire working lives to cross-checking from as many independent sources as they can find. Not just written sources, but from archaeology, epigraphy, pollen analysis, dendochronology - the list of subsciences is extensive. All to bring us the best possible picture of the past.

Which is why I'll trust the ongoing and unbiased researches of these dedicated people over a flash-in-the-pan popular historian any day.