The author of the Game of Thrones saga upon which the TV show is based has confirmed that his inspiration was the conflict between York and Lancaster in 15th century England, known today as the War of the Roses. During the course of this war, which lasted 30 years, the English throne changed hands six times, and the protagonists were prepared to do whatever it took to gain an advantageous marriage or take control of certain lands. There is an obvious parallel between many real-life historical figures and characters in the series, as well as between the map of the fictional Westeros and medieval England — which at the time was divided into seven different regions.