Every story needs places—locations that ground its characters, heighten its action, and immerse its readers in a vivid, believable world. Let’s focus on the places we encounter across Europe & Asia.
Let’s delve into the real-life inspiration behind some of these captivating settings and uncover what makes them so extraordinary.
= WARNING: This article contains some mild spoilers =
Across Asia
Göbekli Tepe, Turkey: The cradle of civilization
Göbekli Tepe, discovered in southeastern Turkey, is the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 12,000 years. Its massive T-shaped pillars, adorned with carvings of animals and abstract symbols, predate agriculture and writing, suggesting a complex and organized society existed long before historians believed possible.
The site challenges the traditional narrative of human development, indicating that spiritual and communal activities might have driven the shift toward settled life and farming.
In the Book: Göbekli Tepe is central to the plot. The story suggests that its builders understood the universe in ways modern science is only beginning to grasp. (Image: Wikipedia, thanks to Teomancimit, CC BY-SA 3.0)
Learn more on Wikipedia about Göbekli Tepe
Across Europe
Cromlech of the Almendres, Portugal: Europe’s Forgotten Stone Circle
Located near Évora in Portugal, the Cromlech of the Almendres is one of Europe’s oldest and largest megalithic stone circles, predating Stonehenge by several thousand years. The site consists of nearly 100 granite monoliths, many arranged in circular and elliptical formations. Archaeologists believe these stones were placed to align with celestial events, such as solstices and equinoxes, making the site an important prehistoric observatory.
The purpose of the Cromlech remains speculative, but its connection to the heavens suggests a ritualistic or astronomical function. Some researchers propose that it was a sacred site for fertility rites, given the prominence of egg-shaped stones.
In the Book: The story elevates the Cromlech to more than an observatory—it becomes a vital link.
Learn more on Wikipedia about Cromlech of the Almendres
Malta
Learn more about the specific places in Malta in this article: The real places of Ceti’s adventure: Malta
What awaits you in the story?
These locations are not just backdrops—they are the heartbeat of the narrative, blending history, myth, and a sense of wonder. Each site offers a glimpse into humanity’s forgotten past, tantalizing readers with the possibility of untold truths. Ready to unravel the mysteries yourself? The story invites you to uncover the hidden connections that bind these places into a global tapestry of wonder, with Malta at its centre.
