I have found several historical/archaeological stories which relate, in some form or fashion to my novels. Since the info from real life is what adds authenticity and I’m stuck in a mental corridor right now, I was thrilled to find these.

This is a real roadside wayfarer’s inn:

“they have found the 2,000-year-old foundations of a roadside rest-stop complete with forecourt, chariot workshop, restaurant and an area to give horses water and hay.

A Roman traveller would have been able to order a quick meal before setting off on the wide road � which ran the length of Germany � or book a room and spend the night. There may not have been sweets or hamburgers but travellers could buy other essentials such as clothes, preserved meat and olives.”

Read more here.

Also related: France discovers war trophies

“‘They are Celtic war trumpets which were used to scare off the enemy, by confusing the battle,’ he said. … The long, bronze tubes, measuring more than two metres long, have flags on the end, four of which bear the head of a wild boar, the fifth a snake.”

This also relates to my book, since it is a place Dielli’s family would be trading with from the sailors.

“Of particular interest were artefacts neatly placed around the skull and bones of a young person found in the grave. They included a seal and buttons made from soapstone, glass and amber beads, as well as a bronze ring, razor, knife and hairclip.”

A Mycenaen tomb unearthed.

While this is after Dielli, it’s a military leader’s home away from headquarters.

“The ancient grapes, figs, coriander and a peppercorn � along with highly decorative architectural fragments � are believed to come from a military administrator’s building, which was demolished when the city passed from military to civilian use in the second century AD.”

It also mentions high quality tableware and luxury items. Read the article.

According to this article there were salt mines being operated in Iran in 300 AD. Which means they may have been operating earlier. This would give a good reason to want the area. And might explain why they end up going to war in Book 2.

“Several pieces of wool cloth and a piece of a straw mat with a unique style of weaving were also discovered beside the Salt Man. …

The first Salt Man, a miner whose body was preserved by the salt, lived over 1700 years ago. …He was also a man between the ages of 35 and 40. He has long white hair and a beard and was discovered wearing leather boots and with some tools and a walnut in his possession.”

Here’s an article on Captain Zimrid’s ship. It’s the right age and everything.

“During the excavation a cargo of Attic and Ionic pottery, amphorae, jars, pitchers and votive altars, was discovered alongside eight woven baskets coated in pitch and some oars.

Archaeologists also discovered that fabric had been inserted along the seams on the interior of the hull to prevent seepage of water, while the inner surface was sealed with pitch for further waterproofing.”

Dielli