Going through “Game of Thrones” withdrawal? Check out the real history behind it.

I don’t know you, but if you’re a fellow “Game of Thrones” fan I’m guessing last season was way too short and the next one is way too far away. HBO announced earlier this year the official air date is 2019.

In the mean time, there’s a way to get your televised fix of epic power struggles, blood, sex and violence. It’s the real history behind the fiction.

GOT author George R. R. Martin, based his epic on real history. In particular, one bloody period, the War of the Roses, a multi-generational struggle for ultimate power, the throne of England, at the end of Medieval Period

If you’re a GOT fan, it’ll sound familiar. There’s a Mad King and a destined ruler toiling away across a narrow sea. There are war buddies, one destined to be king the other beheaded. There’s a power hungry queen who steps out of the shadows to take up arms. There’s even a House Lancaster (read Lannister) fighting House York (read Stark).

The parallels go on and on, but they untwist in unexpected ways unless you’re a history buff. Martin’s books only take inspiration, but from there he ups the ante and twists them in new ways.

There are even more interesting characters in the history, who don’t make it into the fiction in an equivalent form. For example, there’s a child bride who not only survives decades of bloody conflict but founds a dynasty.

If that’s not enough to sell you, know it’s more than English history. Martin took his inspiration from history that goes back as far as the Egyptians and Romans and crosses the globe from Asia to America.

I promise you no reading necessary. I’ve gathered some docs that are easy and fun to watch. They’ll feed your need, and even make you a bit smarter.

“The wars that inspired Game of Thrones”

This quick doc from Ted-Ed will give you a summary of how the War of Roses inspired the series. It’ll fill you in on the real historical figures that inspired the characters in the epic.

“Game of Thrones: The Real History Behind Game of Thrones”

Most of what you find online is only speculating on Martin’s inspiration, in this doc you get to hear from the author himself.

Martin, along with real historians, discuss not only the books and series but the actual history behind both.

This goes well beyond the War of the Roses, to inspiration found around the world.

“Britain’s Bloody Crown”

This series goes beyond the GOT references to the real history behind the actual conflict that was the main inspiration, the War of the Roses.

For GOT fans, especially non-history fans, that may sound a bit boring. You’re probably picturing the worst docs ever.

But, know this isn’t presented as pretentious BS. It’s candy not vegetables.

The presenter, Dan Jones, is in his 30s, has tattoos and switches between leather jackets and, I’m guessing non-ironic, hipster glasses.

The recreations are solid. All the fun violence in period costumes you’re expecting without horrific acting.

It’s information presented in dramatic way.

As you might guess, I’m a bit of a history nerd, and this filled in a lot of the gaps I had from previous docs and books about this or that.

If you’re wondering about the child bride I mentioned at the beginning, the gaps will be filled in from watching. Some of you might already know, but if not, know that child bride’s dynasty will include two of the most powerful monarchs in English history.

You can buy it here or watch below.

Need more of a GOT fix? Check out this article with all the intel you need for Season 8 from production intel to spoilers and more.