Gordon Doherty
asked
Gordon Doherty:
Is it historically accurate to use the word 'corn' in pre-American fiction?
Gordon Doherty
In short: yes, it is historically accurate.
'Granum' was the Latin word used to refer to grain or crop of any kind. This translates broadly into English as 'corn'. Prior to 1492, the term was used in common parlance as a catch-all to refer to whichever crop was a local staple, be that wheat, barley, oats or whatever.
Then, of course, Columbus 'discovered' America and maize crop was found soon after. Maize, being the new world staple, was referred to as the local 'corn'. Over time, the term gradually became the de-facto name for maize crop.
Thereafter arose the common misconception that 'corn was discovered in the Americas'. So when you see an English-language book set in Roman times using the word 'corn', it's perfectly valid.
'Granum' was the Latin word used to refer to grain or crop of any kind. This translates broadly into English as 'corn'. Prior to 1492, the term was used in common parlance as a catch-all to refer to whichever crop was a local staple, be that wheat, barley, oats or whatever.
Then, of course, Columbus 'discovered' America and maize crop was found soon after. Maize, being the new world staple, was referred to as the local 'corn'. Over time, the term gradually became the de-facto name for maize crop.
Thereafter arose the common misconception that 'corn was discovered in the Americas'. So when you see an English-language book set in Roman times using the word 'corn', it's perfectly valid.
More Answered Questions
Dimitrios
asked
Gordon Doherty:
Hello Gordon! Do you have a list of cool books/series set in the Late Roman Empire? Also, I am aware of only a few books set in the Byzantine Empire, with yours being an exemption. Do you know of any nice books in that period? Why do you think there is such a dearth of fiction books about the Byzantine Empire? Regards, Dimitrios
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