allohistory

Allohistory is a subgenre of alternate history that focuses on fictional historical accounts or scenarios that deviate from actual historical events. It explores the "what if" scenarios of history, presenting plausible or fantastical divergences from the established timeline. This can range from minor changes, such as a different outcome in a single battle, to major shifts, like the survival of a fallen civilization or the existence of entirely different continents and species.

The core concept of allohistory is the exploration of causality and consequence. By altering a single event, authors can explore how subsequent events might have unfolded differently. This allows for a deep dive into human nature, societal development, political structures, and technological advancement under varying circumstances. Allohistory can serve as a thought experiment, a form of social commentary, or simply a narrative device to create unique and compelling worlds.

While often overlapping with alternate history, allohistory tends to emphasize the narrative and imaginative aspects of historical divergence rather than strictly adhering to rigorous historical plausibility. It can incorporate elements of fantasy, science fiction, or pure speculation, making it a broad and flexible genre. The term itself suggests a history that is "other" or different from our own, inviting readers to consider the myriad paths history might have taken.