These fact or fiction pages are for anyone who wishes to delve deeper into the Harker Chronicles and discover the truths surrounding these popular works of fiction. They are best enjoyed once you’ve read the books but if you can’t help yourself then dive in. But don’t worry, there are no plot spoilers contained within, just some interesting truths that might come as a surprise. Enjoy.
New Fact or fiction will be coming, especially for my new book ‘The Last Judgement’, so keep an eye on my Facebook/Twitter feed for updates.
FACT or FICTION?
When the legendary Knights Templar were accused of heresy and put on trial for there lives a few vanished with the orders savings worth billions of pounds in today’s money.
(TRUE) When the forces of Prince Phillip of France raided the Templar’s bursary in hope of seizing the fortune they found it absolutely empty. It had vanished along with a fleet of Templar ships and still to this day no one knows where they or the massive fortune disappeared to.
Sebastian Brulet’s pupils, in the shape of a cross giving him an eerie and unnatural look, are the result of a genuine disorder.
(TRUE) This rare genetic condition is called ‘Coloboma’ and it causes a distortion of the pupils. Usually the pupils form the shape of a keyhole, but then again there’s nothing usual about Brulet.
There has only ever been 1 English pope.
(TRUE) Nicholas Breakspear ascended to the papal throne and reigned from Dec 4th, 1154 – 1st Sept 1159. He controversially wrote a papal bull (A decree) to King Henry II of England that he should invade Ireland and bring its Celtic Christian Church under the Roman system. There has not been an English pope since.
Anatoly’s party boat on Lake Bracciano is a real vessel.
(FALSE) Although many vessels do grace the waters of Lake Bracciano allowing tourists a closer look at the now water filled volcanic crater and its unique shoreline the rowdy booze cruise is not one of them and neither is its shrewd captain.
When the legendary Knights Templar were accused of heresy and put on trial for their lives, a few vanished with the orders treasure worth billions of pounds in today’s money.
(TRUE) When the forces of Prince Phillip of France raided the Templar’s bursary in hope of seizing the fortune they found it absolutely empty. It had vanished along with a fleet of Templar ships and still to this day no one knows where they or the massive fortune disappeared to.
During the Roman colosseum heydays many Christians were fed alive to wild animals.
(TRUE) Damnatio Ad Bestias, as it was known, was being practised well into into the 4 century BC. The spectacle involved either the victim being dropped into a cage of vicious wild dogs or being tied to a stake and set upon by a lion or tiger. To keep it interesting the Romans liked to mix things up by changing the types of animals they used. Many images from the era depict Christians bearing the brunt of this practice but the consensus these days is that it happened to a range of people from thieves to murderers. What we do know for sure is that when Christianity became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire these bloody spectacles began to fade away. This brutal, archaic, practice gives a whole new meaning to the saying ‘When in Rome…’
The Knights Templar still exist to this day.
(FALSE) The Churches Special Ops force was disbanded in the 1300’s and merged with the knights hospitaller… but, if as many believe, this secretive organisation was found to exist in this day and age it would prove a discovery almost as incredible as the Holy Grail they were apparently sworn to protect.
The first Council of Nicaea was formed to decide upon how the new Christian religion would operate.
(TRUE) The council was assembled in the year 325AD on the orders of Emperor Constantine. It was here that all aspects of Christianity were debated by around 300 religious leaders. The topics ranged from the celebration of Passover to the very status of Christ as the son of God. Of the 300 attendees only 5 were actually from the western church.
The Christian holidays we know today were the same as pagan dates.
(TRUE) The dates of many Christian holidays such as Easter and even Christmas day were originally the dates of pagan holidays. This ensured that pagan holidays held little relevance and just as importantly so the new religion felt… natural.
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