Hey everybody! I’m back for the 26th episode of the Struggling Archaeologist’s Guide to Getting Dirty, and this is a pretty cool one, it’s time for the “REAL Game of Thrones!”

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve probably noticed that it’s Game of Thrones time once again. So while you’re catching up on life in Westeros this season why not enjoy a bit of the history behind George R. R. Martin’s addictive series. While there’s lots to choose from, this episode focuses on the links between the Lannister/Stark feud and the English monarchy during the Wars of the Roses.

As I mention in the podcast, my inspiration for this episode came from the excellent docu-history special “The Real History Behind Game of Thrones” from the 5th season Blu-ray special features. It’s a great look at the Wars of the Roses and GoT with interviews with Martin and historians like cutie McCutie Dan Jones. I suggest you go buy the Blu-ray to have access to the special, but I will add that it may or may not be available on YouTube by some dubious means which I don’t in any way condone. But you know us history lovers, we do what we’ve gotta do.

I’ve taken some examples from the special and done my own research to expand upon them, so you can use the podcast as a companion to the special. Or, just listen to me because I’m awesomer. I will warn you that I have mentioned events from the series through the end of season 4, so major SPOILER ALERT, you will be spoiled if you listen- and believe me- you don’t want to be spoiled, so maybe don’t listen if you haven’t seen the show yet. If you watch the special there are spoilers through season 5, so be ready for it and don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Finally, here is a handy chart of the royal lineages most relevant to the history and the podcast from the Wars of the Roses. Study it, you will be thankful when I’ve mentioned the names Edward, Henry, and Richard about 500 times each.