Ancient Ruins, Civilizations and the Link to Fantasy Fiction

Earlier in the decade, I had the opportunity to visit some of the most awe-inspiring ruins of the Middle East.

Thousands of years ago, a civilization carved the facades of large temples, treasuries, tombs, amphitheaters, and homes into the cliffs hidden within a vast desert. These people were shrewd businessmen that understood trade routes and commerce. Their buildings, many are as tall as some buildings used by businessmen today, were designed to impress travelers and demonstrate their economic wealth, sophistication, and architectural beauty.

But the empire did not last as long as many others ... the trade routes moved away from their secluded oasis and they were vanquished by other, stronger empires.

The scenes of crumbling, but still majestic, structures conjures up strong images for me. I often wonder what conflict arose that could destroy such power and beauty? Ancient stories are often parables reflecting social and religious issues. Sodom and Gomorra, Atlantis, Noah's Ark, Rome Burning ... perhaps, even the slow destruction of Petra ... highlight issues concerning the sins of society.

My novel series, The Erinia Saga, IS a social commentary. I've used what I have seen while visiting other countries, including ancient ruins, their myths and cultures and my own feelings to describe what I think may be happening within our own time.

When you visit www.todlangley.com, you will notice two ancient pillars on either side of the main page. I took a photograph of some strong columns supporting an arch about ten years ago. The columns you see were taken and artistically altered for the page. They now look pitted, worn and fragile ... much like one of the cultures in my books and, perhaps ... even a little bit like our own society.

Not everything I write about is a prophecy of "doom and gloom". After all, we live in a time like no other ... I just hope we take note of the things that are not going so well, remember those cultures that did not succeed and learn from the past.