I haven't read any replies yet, but feel I need to wade in with some home truths. History is not necessarily based on fact. It tends to be based on what someone thinks are the facts, usually either a very long time after events occurred or written by the winners or someone else with a bias.
All Historians use a bit of poetic license, and some are far better story tellers than others, who are dry and boring, even with what should be interesting subject matter. Of course many do it that way to make themselves look more official. Yes, snobbery does exist amongst Historians, especially amongst those who believe they are the only true ones.
One of the best historians out there, and noted for the fact, was Rafael Sabatini, who also wrote some of the best Historical Romance novels (or Period Dramas if you prefer). He always researched diligently, even for his fictional stuff, and his liberties were always based on real life occurrences somewhere.
Whatever you read, it should always be taken with a grain of salt, so anyone foolish enough to put too much stock in what they read or see or hear, is exactly that.
I read or watch movies etc for a bunch of reasons, primarily amongst them is entertainment. Being true to life is way down the list, as I get enough of true life as it is.
There is a reason it is called escapism.
I'll finish up by saying it's all a lie, from a different perspective, that may or may not be right in a specific context.
Believe what you will, for it does not really matter.
Life is built upon a foundation of Lies and Truth, whichever way you roll the die.
