counterhistorical

Counterhistorical refers to a genre of speculative fiction that explores alternate timelines or histories. Instead of depicting what actually happened, counterhistorical narratives begin with a point of divergence, a historical event that occurred differently than in our reality, and then examine the subsequent consequences. This divergence can be a single event, such as a battle having a different outcome, or a broader societal shift, like a technological advancement happening earlier or later.

The purpose of counterhistorical fiction is often to explore the "what if" questions of history. By altering a key event, authors can examine the complex web of cause and effect, revealing how seemingly small changes can lead to vastly different outcomes for societies, cultures, and individuals. It can also serve as a commentary on our own history, highlighting certain aspects or themes by presenting them in a changed context.

Examples of counterhistorical scenarios include a world where the Roman Empire never fell, or where a major war was lost instead of won. These stories are distinct from utopian or dystopian fiction, though they can certainly incorporate elements of both. The focus remains on the plausibility of the altered timeline, even if it deviates significantly from our own. Counterhistorical works require research into the historical period being altered to make the divergent timeline feel convincing.